After a some discussions with Jane’s Pond we have a design for the toddler’s play area! We’re really excited!

Click the pic for a larger version.

The old rectangular wooden fence is gone, replaced by landscape mounds with tunnels, speaking tubes and slopes. The main mound stays, of course, but now has a spiral walkway to the top as well as tyre stepping stones and a pulling rope to get to the top of the long slide which we’ve also retained. The toddler swing is upgraded with a nest seat suitable for toddlers and small children including those with disabilities. Beyond the junior swings is a roundabout able to take sitting folk, standing folk and even wheelchairs! The nearby listed Charfield railway station is reflected in the playscape by a train theme, with tunnel, sleepers (holding a sand pit) and train structures, offering huge play value for our younger residents.

We are awaiting the itemised costs, and anticipate we may have broken our budget a little. If we can’t secure extra funding in the short term we may have to defer some parts of the design until cash allows (do get in touch if you know of available funds). We have some extra ideas too for later, including a sound sculpture behind the toilet block and some sensory shrub and flower planting. If all goes to plan we will be placing orders this spring. Watch this space.