White Wickets Christmas for youngsters
It'll be a White Wickets Christmas for Wyre Forest youngsters
this year, as the new play area off Franche Road in Kidderminster
has opened.
The play area replaces the one in Wilton Avenue. It has been
built by Wyre Forest District Council and funded through a planning
agreement by the Community Housing Group. The play area cost
£80,000 and includes the latest designs in play equipment. It
has been designed to cater for toddlers and juniors.
The equipment for toddlers includes, pod swings, a horse
springie, a play house, basket swing and cone climber. For
the older children there is a balance board which challenges lower
body strength. The base rocks and rotates so youngsters can
replicate surfing. Also included are 'sling shot', which is a
seesaw which rocks and tilts and can reach high speeds, a 'rock
spinner' which needs strength, balance and co-ordination to move, a
multi activity climbing unit as well as the traditional
swings. Two picnic tables and benches have also been put in
at the site for families to enjoy the new facilities.
The play area was officially opened on Friday 18th
December. Councillor Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District
Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Partnership Services
said,
"We're delighted with the new play area, there is something for
all youngsters, whether they want to play on their own or in groups
and whatever their ability. We hope they have lots of fun
there. Over the winter months we are also planning to move the
youth shelter to next to the multi activity play area so all ages
will be catered for in the one area."
Yvonne Leishman, Managing Director of the Community Housing
Group said,
"We are delighted that as a result of the regeneration of the
housing in this area it has enabled the community to have a
fantastic new play space."
Children from Franche Community Primary School were among the
first to have a go on the new equipment.
Jack Gallagher (5) said, "I enjoyed going on the spinner, it was
lots of fun. The play area is quite big and has got lots of
great new stuff."
Amber Hunt (8) said, "I really enjoyed going on the sling
shot. It is very different to lots of other play areas I have
been to."
Isobel Pudney (9) said, "I will definitely be coming back over
the Christmas holidays. I like the see-saw. The play
area is good because there are lots of partner things you can go on
and play together with your friends."
The new play area, which will be maintained by The Community
Housing Group, is situated next to the multi activity play area at
White Wickets off the Franche Road. The multi activity play area
was built last year.
Photograph shows:
(top) Harrison Yates (8),
James Bendall (9),
Councillor Marcus Hart and
Andrew Bate (8)
Date of issue: 18th December 2009