Thursday
25
April
Work on a 'destination play park' to start within weeks
24/10/2019 @ 07:32
Details of a new 'destination play park' in Newtown have today been revealed by Newtown Town Council and Open Newtown.
The facility will replace and enhance the current facilities close to the Back Lane car park, say the organisations.
A contract has been awarded to Sunshine Playgrounds, in partnership with Kompan, to begin work on the project at the end of this month, after the half-term school holidays to avoid the area not being available for children.
The announcement comes on the day that Powys County Council's planning committee will consider plans for a new riverside centre on the site of the former Radio Maldwyn site.
Cllr Richard Edwards, Chair of the town council's Economy and Environment Committee, said: “As the proposer of the plan for a new play park I am pleased that the services committee has given it the green light and the park will be ready to use by residents and visitors to the town in March 2020.”
Ed Humphreys, Town Clerk, said: “Newtown's Destination Playpark is the result of clear vision and hard work by the Town Council, Councillors and Staff – placing recreation and tourism high on priorities after several public consultations.
"Working constructively with others is the direction of travel for local councils, and this example with Open Newtown demonstrates what partnerships can deliver by bringing in extra funding through The National Lottery Community Fund.
"Newtown is a place to invest in improvements and opportunities, in this case approx £170,000 in the area as a whole. The Town Council is leading the project, investing £118,000, so we look forward to the results being in place in the Spring.”
This is one of the many proposed projects from the partnership to boost activities and tourism in the town that are supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and other funders.
The organisations say the new destination play park "will offer an experience for a range of ages and abilities including the opportunity to learn, interact, imagine and play together."
A separate toddler play area will be located behind the existing Radio Hafren building and a junior play area adjacent to the miniature railway track. In addition, facilities will be created for teenagers on the site of the existing playground area.
"The play areas will reflect the surrounding natural environment and have been designed to reflect local landmarks and heritage by using features such as a motte and bailey castle and the River Severn.
"There will be an obstacle course, woodland agility trail and an impressive wooden structure so that children can let their imagination run wild and explore every little nook and corner, on various levels.
"It has been designed for numerous children of all ages playing at the same time, helping them develop both social and cognitive creative skills. To complement the play facilities Open Newtown will also provide picnic benches for families to fully enjoy this new feature."
Cllr Mike Childs, Lead Councillor, said: “Newtown has waited a long time for a large central play park, so we are all very pleased that it will be built very shortly. The park will have areas for all ages of young people. It will be a great asset to both local people and visitors. Many thanks to all those who have worked hard over the years to make it happen.”
Gary Mitchell, Project Manager for Open Newtown stated ‘During the tender process all play park designers recommended traditional outdoor play for the limited geographic area and the available budget. All year round use and accessibility were also key features. We are now working with the contractors to finalise the plans.
Working in partnership with Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust we will be employing a Park Ranger, who will be in post early 2020.
This role will include managing volunteers, to help keep an eye on litter hotspots and anti-social activities whilst working alongside our local Police and the Town Councils maintenance team to ensure the area is well kept. We will also install extra litter bins in line with a new litter strategy for the green spaces.
The facility will replace and enhance the current facilities close to the Back Lane car park, say the organisations.
A contract has been awarded to Sunshine Playgrounds, in partnership with Kompan, to begin work on the project at the end of this month, after the half-term school holidays to avoid the area not being available for children.The announcement comes on the day that Powys County Council's planning committee will consider plans for a new riverside centre on the site of the former Radio Maldwyn site.
Cllr Richard Edwards, Chair of the town council's Economy and Environment Committee, said: “As the proposer of the plan for a new play park I am pleased that the services committee has given it the green light and the park will be ready to use by residents and visitors to the town in March 2020.”
Ed Humphreys, Town Clerk, said: “Newtown's Destination Playpark is the result of clear vision and hard work by the Town Council, Councillors and Staff – placing recreation and tourism high on priorities after several public consultations.
"Working constructively with others is the direction of travel for local councils, and this example with Open Newtown demonstrates what partnerships can deliver by bringing in extra funding through The National Lottery Community Fund.
"Newtown is a place to invest in improvements and opportunities, in this case approx £170,000 in the area as a whole. The Town Council is leading the project, investing £118,000, so we look forward to the results being in place in the Spring.”
This is one of the many proposed projects from the partnership to boost activities and tourism in the town that are supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and other funders.
The organisations say the new destination play park "will offer an experience for a range of ages and abilities including the opportunity to learn, interact, imagine and play together."
A separate toddler play area will be located behind the existing Radio Hafren building and a junior play area adjacent to the miniature railway track. In addition, facilities will be created for teenagers on the site of the existing playground area.
"The play areas will reflect the surrounding natural environment and have been designed to reflect local landmarks and heritage by using features such as a motte and bailey castle and the River Severn.
"There will be an obstacle course, woodland agility trail and an impressive wooden structure so that children can let their imagination run wild and explore every little nook and corner, on various levels.
"It has been designed for numerous children of all ages playing at the same time, helping them develop both social and cognitive creative skills. To complement the play facilities Open Newtown will also provide picnic benches for families to fully enjoy this new feature."
Cllr Mike Childs, Lead Councillor, said: “Newtown has waited a long time for a large central play park, so we are all very pleased that it will be built very shortly. The park will have areas for all ages of young people. It will be a great asset to both local people and visitors. Many thanks to all those who have worked hard over the years to make it happen.”
Gary Mitchell, Project Manager for Open Newtown stated ‘During the tender process all play park designers recommended traditional outdoor play for the limited geographic area and the available budget. All year round use and accessibility were also key features. We are now working with the contractors to finalise the plans.
Working in partnership with Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust we will be employing a Park Ranger, who will be in post early 2020.
This role will include managing volunteers, to help keep an eye on litter hotspots and anti-social activities whilst working alongside our local Police and the Town Councils maintenance team to ensure the area is well kept. We will also install extra litter bins in line with a new litter strategy for the green spaces.
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