Bakers’s Park, Newton Abbot, set for new £94,000 play area
By newtonnews | Friday, February 05, 2010, 12:39
Work is due to get underway on a brand new £94,000 play park for Bakers Park in Newton Abbot.
Construction on the brand new state-of-the-art play facility kicks off on Monday, February 8 thanks to funding from Teignbridge District Council (£40k), Devon County Council (£45k, administering Play Builder funds from the Department for Children, Schools and Families) and Newton Abbot Town Council (£9k).
The play area will replace the aging current play area, and will have a 'natural play' theme. This uses natural features and the surrounding environment to blend natural materials and features to create exciting and unusual play opportunities for children.
Among the equipment to be included is an aerial runway zipwire, a large wooden climbing frame with nets, a, 'inclusive' roundabout suitable for disabled access, traditional swings, a play trail and a natural dome made of willow. A separate toddlers' area will include swings and a multi-unit - including steps, a walkway and a slide.
The design for the new play area was helped by the Friends of Bakers Park community group and the Newton Abbot Community Interest Company, both of which helped facilitate consultation with local people and children.
Cllr Anne Fry, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Recreational Services said:
"This project is one of only 11 in Devon which successfully bid for Play Builder funding from Devon County Council, and we're pleased to have contributed extra funding of our own to help make it happen.
"We believe young people across Teignbridge deserve top quality play opportunities, and we're doing our best to ensure that we deliver this for them.
"The old play park was looking very tired, so I look forward to seeing residents and visitors making the most of a brand new, top notch play area very soon."
Cllr Carol Bunday, Deputy Mayor of Newton Abbot said:
"I am delighted that we are able to support the project, which both the District and County Councils have also agreed to fund. It is not before time that Bakers Park had a play area to be proud of and this project will certainly deliver a quality play provision for our young people."
Comments
25yrslocal - I contacted the council and here's your answer:
A spokesman said: "The equipment was supplied by a company in Cumbria and installed by one from Taunton. We do try to keep local where possible, but for this it needed specific equipment that was in stock and ready to roll. For all council things, 49% of suppliers are from within Teignbridge and 76% within the South West. Always a balance to be struck between the cost of the product, the speed with which it can be supplied, the level of aftercare, and the desire to stay local where possible."
By newtonnews at 16:05 on 16/02/10
ReportYeah Baker's Park doesn't have the best reputation (with underage drinking etc) but I think people and the police are very aware of this and I thinks it's improving.
By cinemaman at 11:15 on 16/02/10
ReportSounds great. I have 2 young boys so will regularly use it.
I just hope it isn't spoilt by some of the teenage contingent who hang around the area. That may sound like a negative thing to say but it's true.
By mudfrog at 15:48 on 15/02/10
ReportWill try to find out
By newtonnews at 12:42 on 15/02/10
ReportIs this equipment being supplied and installed by a local company. Does anyone know???
By 25yrslocal at 12:35 on 15/02/10
Report