Development projects
There are a number of development projects, to help make the Walton Firs learning experience even better.
Patience Baden-Powell Centre
£150,000 Needed
We need to replace the existing, inadequate facilities, with a purpose built timber frame structure. The new building will be the hub of the activity centre and house:
- Reception and activity booking centre
- Shop
- Disabled toilet
- Changing facilities
- First aid post
- Meeting space for use by visiting groups
Extension and refurbishment of WC and shower block
£45,000 Needed
A planning application has been submitted for the extension by 9 metres and the refurbishment of our top toilet block. The building is cira 1939 and although it has been upgraded, it is in great need of refurbishment and insulating to bring it up to modern expectations.
If you have any ideas how to generate interest in this project we would love to hear from you at the Friends of Walton Firs. Please email me at stella@waltonfirs.co.uk with bright ideas and offers of help.
In the meantime, we have a number of grant applications in progress including the NatWest Community Force scheme which closes on 23rd October 2011 and needs your votes. See our Autumn 2011 Newsletter for more details or follow this link:
http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/1910
NatWest Community Force Update:
Thank you to everyone who voted for our project. Walton Firs was among several winners to receive funding for their projects. Gill Crow from NatWest visited the Activity Centre recently and presented the cheque for over £6K to Dave McIntosh, our Warden, beside the familiar Walton Firs landmark totem pole.
Climbing Wall
£60,000 Needed
The Climbing Wall consists of a non operational water tower. Our challenge is to raise the funds to provide a purpose built wall with indoor and outdoor faces.
Planning application is in preparation for two climbing walls. One of 14 metres over the T Mobile mast and another 'boulder wall' over the O2 mast thus creating a climbing compound.
Capacity would be 4 outside and 4 inside on auto belay. The ratio is 1:6 and in practice this is 1:5 plus rescue.
Caving Experience
The Caving Experience is a unique facility for the local area. The completion date was met and staff have been trained to instruct on this exciting new addition to our list of activities. Work continues to enhance the landscaping.
Dutch Barn All Weather Shelter
Thank you to all those who volunteered to work on the Dutch Barn. The Barn has already been in use as a bad weather shelter for our day visitors and continues to be a source of great pride at the Activity Centre.
