New play area increasing the quality and quantity of play in Yeovil
Released On 1st Sep 2018
new play area has been opened in Yeovil as a part of South Somerset District Council's aim of increasing the quality and quantity of play opportunities in the district.
The new play area at Harbin Close is primarily intended to serve local people within roughly a 5 minute walking catchment, however, it is a free, open access public space available for everyone to use.
The site has been developed throughout the summer, with a central feature of a new play train to inspire imaginative play and reflect the sites close proximity to Pen Mill Train Station.
A smaller infant play train has been added, alongside a basket swing, flat swings and a wobble bridge. The first set of geometric shaped climbing boulders in Yeovil provide challenging play that will test children's strength and coordination with easy and hard routes.
Councillor Rob Stickland, District Councillor for Yeovil (East) ward where the new park is situated said, "It's pleasing to see such a wonderful play area with so much to do, being built in an area where we know there is a demand for play provisions. There is already plenty of things for children to enjoy, but in October, a dish roundabout will be added to the park also."
Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture at South Somerset District Council added, "There are some unique play facilities in this play area and it will be fantastic to see children using their imagination on the play train and testing out their strength and coordination on the climbing boulders. This is a local park for local residents, but we expect many more to come and enjoy the facilities in this fenced play area."
Harbin Close play area was entirely funded by the developer contribution as part of a Section 106 Agreement with SSDC. The capital funding secured was totalled £60,736 for Equipped Play.
Above: (left to right) Councillor Rob Stickland (District Councillor for Yeovil (East) ward), Councillor Tony Lock (District Councillor for Yeovil (East) ward) and Rob Parr (Senior Play & Youth Facilities Officer) at Harbin Close play area
