The running track and sports arena at Lingham Park, Moreton, which will be opened today by the Mayor (Alderman B. Brooker) followed by the annual Cheshire Athletic Championships.
The track has been constructed in accordance with A.A.A. specification and is one quarter mile long, the central area containing sufficient room for all championship field events. A grant of £300 was made from the National Playing Field's Association towards the cost of the track.
The width of the track is 24ft. thus providing 6 lanes for athletic purposes, the whole area being practically level, since the maximum fall is only one in a thousand.
Lingham Park is situated in the centre of the council's post war housing development site at Moreton and is, in fact the only large park in the western part of the borough. The development of this park commenced in 1951 with the layout of the western section an area of about 11 acres in extent containing three full size football pitches and one cricket pitch. The work was completed in 1953 and cost approximately £6,000.
In 1954 it was decided to proceed with the development of the second section, an area of about 9 acres and a loan sanction was issued from the Ministry for £4,500 in respect of drainage works, earth works and the provision of one bowling green. The following year the Council decided to complete the layout of this second section by the provision of an additional bowling green and the construction of four hard tennis courts. The bowling greens and tennis courts are grouped around the site of a tennis and bowls pavilion which is, at present in course of erection.
On the south east portion of the site and separated from the games area by one of the main paths is the new running track constructed in accordance with a layout approved by the National Playing Fields Association.
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Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 02/06/1956
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