South Ribble’s newest park is to be opened with a giant picnic to celebrate.
AdvertisementForming part of St Catherine’s Park in Lostock Hall a partnership between the hospice, the borough council and rotary clubs has created the new green space.
What was known as Dandy Brook has been connected with the hospice’s grounds and through into where the striking new First World War Memorial is sited.
St Catherine’s Picnic in the Park is to declare the park formally open on Sunday 12 June, and also mark The Queen’s 90th birthday.
Chief executive of the hospice Stephen Greenhalgh said: “St Catherine’s Hospice brings people from all walks of life together to help loved ones live with serious illnesses. Over the last 31 years, local people have made St Catherine’s a symbol of unity and hope.
“This pioneering project opens up our grounds through Dandy Brook down to the magnificent new First World War Centenary Memorial. We are most grateful to the council for helping turn our vision into reality.
Entertainment for children is being put on during the day by Zanda Magic who are to be performing throughout the park.
In the old Dandy Brook area Catherine Sullivan is performing show tunes alongside singer and guitarist Connor Banks. They are to be joined by the Mercy People choir and blues band The Yard Dogs.
No parking is available on site and the hospice is operating a park and ride service from the Leyland Trucks car park in Croston Road.
Leader of South Ribble Borough Council councillor Margaret Smith said: “It’s fantastic that we have been able to work with St Catherine’s Hospice to create this new park – the first in the borough for more than four decades.
“The hospice provides first class care to our residents and is a wonderful facility which are very lucky to have right on our doorstep.
“The new park boasts a truly unique Inglis bridge and links to the much-loved new war memorial – it is a fantastic step forward as part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal and one I hope our residents will enjoy for many years to come.”
The Picnic in the Park runs from 1pm to 5pm.
Have you wandered through the new park? Will you be taking a picnic along? Let us know in the comments below