Work is nearing completion on a new play area for youngsters in Corfe Castle and it’s taken its inspiration from the village’s most famous landmark.
The parish council commissioned a designer from Romsey in Hampshire to create an adventure play area with a difference, aimed at older children aged between eight and ten.
Called ‘Out of the Ruins’ it is circular in design, with multiple activities, including ladders and ‘climbing vines’, a tower, slide, walkways and a tunnel. The floor will be made of bonded rubber for safety.
Designer Andy Frost (left) with construction expert Marcus Frost
“Perfect for our parish”
Playground designer, Andy Frost, who also designed the play area at nearby Norden said:
“I stood at the back of the field and looked at the site and I could see the iconic Corfe Castle and the church tower in the distance, so I didn’t have to look any further for my inspiration!
It’s built using timber because the parish council wanted something that fitted with its sustainability and environmental goals.
Michelle Harrington, clerk to the council, said:
“We wanted something that was in keeping with the area and this is what the designers came up with. It’s absolutely beautiful and just perfect for our parish.”
The old swings, being refurbished, with the new play area in the background
Project follows a survey of residents
The project, which is costing £25,000, was developed after a survey of local residents. There is already a playground for younger children, which is currently undergoing refurbishment, that includes swings, a roundabout, climbing frame and rocking horse.
What emerged from speaking to residents was that they wanted something for older children.
The area previously had items of adult fitness equipment, but these were nearing the end of their life.
The circular adventure play area is built of timber
Nearing completion
It’s taken designer Andy Frost and his team longer to install than anticipated because the whole project had to be postponed because of lockdown. The firm previously created a play area for Norden park.
The installation work, which is taking about three weeks, is planned to be completed by the end of January 2022.
It’s hoped to replace the adult fitness equipment in the next financial year at a new location near the football ground.
The roundabout is being repaired
Langton Matravers reveals its new playground
Meanwhile, the playground at Langton Matravers near Swanage is also nearing completion. It’s finished except for a few final touches before it can be officially opened.
The parish council raised £36,000 to re-equip the area, including a grant from the housing association Aster Group.
The play area on St George’s School Field in the village includes a castle mound, a climbing play trail, swings and a carousel.
The new playground at Langton Matravers is nearing completion
