£60,000 allocated for new play park in Axminster

A ground level trampoline, a large climbing frame made from rope and a zip wire are among the plans for a new play park in Axminster.

£60,000 of East Devon District Council’s capital budget has been allocated to provide new equipment for the benefit children in the local area.

Work on demolishing the existing equipment in the play area in North Street which has reached the end of its life after three decades of hard labour, will begin on Monday, April 23. The council’s StreetScene team hope to have the refurbished play area ready for action by around the end of May.

Axe Valley Children’s Centre, Axminster Community Primary Academy and Axe Valley Academy have been working closely with East Devon to create a design that would meet the needs of all the children using the site.

The most popular activities requested by the children were for a ground level trampoline, a large climbing frame made from rope and a zip wire.

All of these activities are included in the successful design – produced by Kompan UK Ltd – together with many other items of equipment, which will allow children of all ages to express themselves and develop their physical and social skills.

East Devon’s portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Tom Wright, said: “It’s great to see ideas from the local children being listened to and used to design their ideal play area. The equipment is suitable for children of all ages and no doubt it will be very popular over the coming summer.”

Cllr Douglas Hull, ward member for Axminster, added: “I look forward to seeing the new equipment in use over the summer months. It’s so important for young people to be able to get outside in the fresh air and the improved play area will encourage them to do just that. It’s a wonderful resource and I hope that the local population will keep an eye on the play area for the benefit of the children.”