Community Impact
June 7, 2012David Wilson Homes North West is celebrating the highly successful launch of Dakota Park at Chapelford Village, Warrington, which was officially opened on Monday 4th June.
To mark the occasion, special guests, the UK and US presidents of the RAF Burtonwood Heritage Association, Roy Thorpe-Apps and Jim Bentley, alongside Andrew Taylor, Planning Director for David Wilson Homes North West and local dignitaries including MP David Mowat and the new Mayor of Warrington, Councillor Steve Wright, unveiled the grand decorative entrance wall near the village centre.
In addition, three abstract sculptures, which have been designed by artist Andy DeComyn, in honour of the development’s aviation heritage, were available to view for the first time whilst attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy a military display, comprising a collection of photographs and vehicles, organised by the RAF Burtonwood Heritage Association.
A day of celebration
Andrew Taylor, Planning Director at David Wilson Homes North West, comments: “We were absolutely thrilled to welcome such an array of special guests to the launch and the fact that we were joined by so many local residents made it a truly momentous occasion.
“We feel extremely fortunate that the timing of this opening coincided with the biannual visit of the US branch of the Heritage Association to Warrington. It was great to welcome back our old friends. You cannot help but to be moved by their genuine affection for this area, and it was our absolute pleasure to have them here with us again for the official opening.”
“The heritage of the former RAF Burtonwood airbase is hugely important to thousands of people, not just here in Warrington but all over the world. We were therefore delighted that we have been able to reflect the past use of the site with the sculptures that will serve as a living memory of the importance of the former airbase.”
Councillor Terry O’Neill adds: “The launch of the Dakota Park is a big step towards further enhancing the local environment, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to David Wilson Homes North West for its continued commitment and investment in the area.”
Party in the park
To further celebrate the occasion, the Chapelford Residents Association, with support from David Wilson Homes North West, arranged an exciting Dakota street party celebration which followed the grand unveiling.
More than 1,000 local residents were treated to a host of fun activities, including face painting, a charity raffle, cheerleader performances, a football and fancy dress competition, a tug of war and and an array of stands and gazebos selling refreshments.