REDEVELOPMENT TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO TRACK AT MAROWN

A project to breathe new life into a fun/cycle track in Marown is being supported by Manx Lottery Trust.

The £9,000 grant to Marown Memorial Playing Fields will help fund the redevelopment of an existing track that has fallen foul of severe weather and disuse over recent years.

The area containing the track was created in 2003 and was widely used by many young people. Sadly, the area has been battered by severe weather and has become overgrown, with the existing track no longer defined or suitable for young users.

Lorraine Quayle, Chairman of Marown Memorial Playing Fields, explained: ‘The redevelopment of this fun/cycle track, and improvements to the landscaping, will ensure it can be used year-round and in a safe environment for children. If the area is left as it is, it will become more overgrown, unsightly, and dangerous for young people, which could lead to it being closed to the public.

‘We are grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for supporting this project, which in addition to seeing the track repaired, will also create an area containing outdoor seating and picnic tables, and other areas where we can develop biodiversity with wildflower planting and landscaping.’

Lorraine added: ‘The Playing Fields facilities are regularly used by many groups, including Crosby Playgroup & Pre-school, Marown Football Club, Crosby Cricket Club and Marown Bowling Club, and on other occasions by Marown Scouts, schools and volunteer groups. All who use the recreational facilities support this project and we have other volunteers' group willing to help with the redevelopment. It will become a huge asset to the community.’

Sarah Kelly, Manx Lottery Trust Chairman, said: ‘Having a fun track so close to the Heritage Trail is a great advantage for the hundreds of residents who pass through this area on the Douglas to Peel route. We are pleased to be able to play our part in supporting such a worthwhile community project.’

For more about Marown Memorial Playing Fields, please visit https://www.marown.im/recreation

For information about Manx Lottery Trust and the community funding support available, visit www.mlt.org.im