Parkour park opened in Nantwich (From Crewe Guardian)

Parkour park opened in Nantwich

9:29am Thursday 30th August 2012 in News By Matthew Taylor

THE first ‘freerunning’ park in the north west was opened on Saturday, August 25, at Barony Park, Nantwich, by one of the sport’s biggest names.

‘Freerunning’ or ‘Parkour’ is the practice of moving through an environment in a way that is fluid and creative.

It draws influences from gymnastics, martial arts and dance, and encourages participants to develop their own unique style.

Freerunner Daniel Ilabaca, who famously raced James May through Liverpool in an episode of BBC’s Top Gear, opened the park.

He said: “It’s great to know that there has been a place provided for young people to develop their physicality in an exciting way. “Movement is an essential part of learning, and this Parkour park will open a lot of doors for young people, building confidence and motivation as they move forward in life.”

The Nantwich Freerunners club (NF) carried out many fundraising activities towards the building of the park.

Police said the popularity of freerunnig had resulted in a substantial reduction of anti-social behaviour.

The park was funded by an award from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces scheme and a grant from Nantwich Town Council.

Cheshire East Council worked alongside NF throughout the build.

Clr Rod Menlove said: “The opening of this facility is really exciting for Cheshire East and I am sure it will prove popular with local residents as well as attracting people from further afield.

“The Council is committed to improving the Borough’s parks and green spaces, where possible, as part of efforts to foster a sense of civic pride.

“I understand that incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area have already come down.

“This is a good example of how we can work with community groups and third sector organisations to achieve this.”

Joel Howells, chairman of NF, added: “The opening of the facility represents the culmination of two and half years hard work, and we hope to establish it as the focal point of our mission to expand and develop the understanding of the benefits of the practice of freerunning in the local community. “We are grateful for Cheshire East Council’s support of the project and are greatly encouraged by the overwhelming positive support local residents have expressed for the building of the facility.”

For more information about ‘free running’ go to www.thenantwichfreeruners.co.uk