Terrible weather over the last few days has not been kind to the stunning new play area due to be opened at Wellington Recreation Ground next week. “ I hope the torrential rain has not affected the sand pit,” said town mayor Viv-Stock Williams, when describing the facility.
However, the rain gods have turned the almost-complete playground into somewhat of a challenge. Much of the sand has been washed out of the pit and autumn leaves are smothering the ground. Council workers are playing beat-the-clock and watch-the-weather to get it ready on schedule.
Back in the summer Around Wellington was highly critical of the playground facilities in the town. This new £75,000 play-area is a huge step forward.A special Sports Legacy Zone is included in the new area, due to be opened byMrs Stock-Williams.
The Zone was developed by play equipment specialists Proludic in partnership with Olympians Steve Backley and Roger Black and combines play with sport and fitness, providing users with the opportunity to set challenges, be active and have fun while getting fit.
The play area design created by Louise Baugh of Swan Paul Landscape Architects in Taunton, is based on the results of a public play and participation event run on behalf of the Borough Council by Barnardos in February when local children and young people were asked to select the type of playground and play equipment they would like to see.
By popular request the existing slide is being retained. The new play area will have toddler swings, sand play, basket swing, embankment slide, net spinner, cube seats, and the Sports Legacy Zone.
Cllr Catherine Herbert, responsible for sport, parks and leisure in Taunton Deane, said the new play area would provide hours of fun for local youngsters – and help them to keep fit.
“I am so pleased the Sports Legacy Zone is included – and lucky Wellington being the first town in the Borough to benefit from the inspirational London 2012 Olympics,” she added.