A WESTHOUGHTON children’s play centre has become the only one of its kind in Greater Manchester to open a specially designed outdoor play area.

“Outdoor Adventure” is the name of the large area attached to Party and Play Funhouse’s premises on Wingates Industrial Park.

The fascinating feature cost around £200,000 and was created by award-winning Bolton company Cool Canvas.

They have made an absorbing collection of different play attractions using natural products including a zip wire, a maze, an outdoor trampoline, a Hobbit hole, tree houses, a fireman’s pole plus role play area, sand-and-digger area and a water play area.

The opening of Outdoor Adventure on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2 is another chapter in the success story of businesswoman Catalina Sastre-Done.

She opened her indoor play centre in 2007 after 20 years working in the logistics’ industry for shipping giants Maersk. When she was made redundant, she decided to return to study and took an MBA at the University of Bolton before opening a play centre in a large industrial unit.

The venture was such a success that in 2013 she decided to move to a bigger, purpose-designed unit nearby, providing everything from ball pool, go karts and slides to play-frames, party rooms and a sensory studio.

“Since the business has evolved, valuable lessons have been learned and experience gained,” she explained. “It was felt that outdoor play was missing here, especially during Summer when there are a limited numbers of places locally for families to explore and have fun in the fresh air.

“When the possible project was mentioned to customers, feedback via Facebook etc was very positive. Whilst we continually review our traditional existing soft-play areas and other facilities, staying fresh and investing in the future of the business helps us keep ahead of the competition.”

As the mother of two young children, Ms Sastre-Done also believes outdoor play is “increasingly important” in keeping youngsters healthy and happy.

“We’re delighted to be the first to offer such a fun area for children,” she added. “And mums and dads can also sit and enjoy views over the lovely countryside.”