Officially opened on 11th
March 2011 by the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Chris Bulteel.
|
 |
 |
|
The official opening of the new play area |
The range of
play equipment selected for the new play area responds to the results of our
consultation during the summer of 2010, when we spoke
with local residents,
young people
through sessions at Talbot Combined School and with
Poole Youth Forum (click
on the image to download the design, PDF, 765kb):
Three main pieces make up the design:
-
A climbing unit providing two towers at almost 4m
in height, linked by a rope bridge and featuring a
climbing wall, a tunnel slide, a wide 2-person slide and
toddler play panels. An exciting and unique piece of
equipment that offers fun, challenging play experiences
for a wide age range.
-
A
group ‘Buddy swing’ that is suitable for all ages, from
toddlers to teens. Universally loved in play areas across
Poole!
-
A
robust springy ‘Willy Jeep’ that see-saws and rolls -
great role play for youngsters who can imagine driving
off-road whilst bumping up and down.
Finishing touches include appropriate safer play surfacing,
a fence and gates, litter bin and benches, plus boulders for
informal seating.
Work started on
site on 2nd February and the play area first opened for use on 19th
February 2011.
Land ownership, lease and limitations
Wallisdown Recreation Ground is actually owned by
Bournemouth Borough Council and leased to Bournemouth
University. The site for the new play area is very
close to a space of an old one,
that was managed by Bournemouth Borough Council on behalf of
Borough of Poole Leisure Services, and
was removed some years ago, at a time when there was no
funding to replace it.
The
size of the new play area was limited by the terms of the lease
which also states
it must be fenced, and set in that one particular location.
