Hopwood Park packed for inflatable fun weekend

Hopwood Park was packed out with fun inflatables for the weekend

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Approximately 600 children and adults visited a packed-out Hopwood Park on 16 and 17 September for an action-packed weekend of inflatable fun.

All had the chance to enjoy bouncy castles, a large slide, a 32m assault course and zorb balls, giant inflatable balls that have swept the nation in a new craze, plus much more, provided by JK Events.

Chairwoman of the Friends of Hopwood Park, Sandra Trickett, said: “We were pleased to have JK Events Inflatable Fun Weekend - a record breaker since we have never had that many inflatables at one time on the park due to the previous boggy conditions but thanks to the drainage, it is now possible.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend for all, we attracted many more willing volunteers to work a shift in the cabin which enabled us to be open all weekend.”

The weekend was provided several record breakers for Hopwood Cabin, marking their first opening for a full weekend, plus record takings – and a huge pan of corned beef hash went down a treat with guests, including Norden’s Paul Ellison.

He said: “The corned beef hash was definitely the best I have tasted. The day as a whole was a great event. Many thanks to The Friends of Hopwood Park for a fantastic day. The weather stayed nice too and did not put a hash on things.”

Characters from Paw Patrol made an appearance, and other delicacies were also on offer, including burgers, hot dogs, bacon muffins and a vast variety of ice-cream favours provided by Birch Farm.

Maureen Hutchinson said: “Fab afternoon with the Friends of Hopwood Park. Lots of fun and ice creams. Thank you to Sandra and the ladies.”

Keeley Walsh commented: “Daisy had a wonderful time at Hopwood Park and mummy thoroughly enjoyed the corned beef hash. A big thanks to Jennifer Parkinson for the lovely ice cream.”

Over the last couple of years, the local Friends group have been working to improve the park with the help of community grants and donations.

The first phase of landscaping work, funded by a £12,000 grant from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, began in mid-June to define and enhance the space around the cabin, which reopened in June, with a picnic area and new paths to improve disabled access.

The former derelict bus shelter is set to be transformed to a café and community hub. Whilst the building still requires internal structuring and other repairs, The Friends are estimating things to be completed by winter 2018.