We got back from a fortnight of traveling yesterday in which several countries were passed through[1] and several theme parks also[2]. We had a great time but now we are safely back home and in our home environment.
Today is turning out to be a bit of a scorcher, sun is out, sky is mostly blue and the kids need airing and entertaining, so we have come to Morecambe and Happy Mount Park.
A little of the Park’s recent history
A few years ago Lancaster and Morecambe Council in their infinite wisdom decided to run a deal with the bouncy-blond-basta… Television personality Noel Edmonds and build a theme park in Morecambe. So they cut a beautiful park in half and built Blobbyland. It was a total, expensive, failure.
The people of the district were not happy. They never wanted such a silly thing and it had destroyed a once magnificent public space. The fiasco meant there was less funds for parks available.
But the council and the people of Morecambe were not to be beaten.
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers and some local representatives who would listen, time (quite a considerable amount of it and it is still on going) and some money was put back into the park. The result is the space we now have.
Happy Mount Park is once again a treasure for the local area and people. A large space with several free park areas for children of varying ages and some low cost areas as well.
Free:
- The grounds and gardens
- The Adventure play area
- The fields and forest walks
- The Splash Park (which is awesome)
- The small park
- Tennis Courts
Low cost (prices where known):
- Pitch and Putt
- Deckchair hire
- Bowling
- Racket Hire
- Large Swings (2 pounds)
- Under 7s park (1 pound per child) – filled with cars and tractors and bicycles and enclosed within a gated area
- Train – three loops for one pound per rider
Happy Mount also has a cafe which has a children’s soft play area where parties and events can be held in a comfortable space.
As I previously mentioned a large amount of the maintenance of the park and its evolution has been a partnership between the local authorities and the volunteers of the region. This has led to a wonderful park, it is a fantastic place to bring children of all ages. It is a testament to the fact of a need to have a wroking relationship between the community and the authorities where there is not just ‘having a say’ but being able to ‘make a change’. This feedback loop creates areas that are desired by both and appropriate for the greater enjoyment of everyone.
I should also say that the small cafe outside of the park, in front of the golfclub and next to the car park on the prom[3], does a mean line in low cost snacks and a great breakfast/brunch bun. Make sure you order the tea and not the coffee!
[1] We went from England to Paris, to Germany to Romania and back by various routes, some of us driving and some of us flying.
[2] Disneyland, Paris and Chessington World of Adventure were both visited.
[3] Turn left as you exit the park.
53.806458-2.728172
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