The new £250,00 scheme, that is three times the size of the original play area, was completed in time for the October half-term break and many of the inventive units pay tribute to the traditions and heritage of the site. It was Jane Scriven, chair of trustees of the William Scott Abbott Trust, who cut the obligatory red ribbon to finalise the year-long project whose initial concept first began back in 2019.
The new park is packed full of amazing play equipment. Complementing the actual Watermill, the bespoke wooden Mill with climbing unit is a stand-out feature. Other themed items include a purpose-built Combine Harvester, themed Beehive unit, Cheese Slide paying homage to the local cheesemongers, complete with yellow flooring and bees.
There is also some fabulous playboards with blacksmith motifs, as well as a dramatic High Rope Walkway that leads into a Natural Area beyond the playspace. A Sand Unit with diggers and pulleys adds some alternative fun, alongside a Double Cableway, Net Pyramids and Trampolines.
A pretty minimondo Dandelion is ideal for toddlers and a wonderful all-inclusive area features a Disabled Walkway with accessibility, as well as a Stand-up Seesaw and Wheelchair Roundabout.
General manager Lee Scowen said: “Play is such a vital part of education and we knew it was time that our outdoor play area had an upgrade, so we’ve expanded it, making it fun for children of all ages, with a few educational elements in there too. I think those who have not visited us for a while are in for a treat this half-term.”