A new children’s play area is starting to take shape next to the skatepark in the centre of Swanage.
After much groundwork preparation, the new play equipment is starting to be installed at King George’s Playing Fields next to the Main Beach carpark.
The playground in Swanage wouldn’t be complete without a train!
Third recent refurbishment
This follows the successful refurbishment of two other playgrounds in Swanage – one at the Recreation Ground next to Swanage Bandstand and the other in Day’s Park near the Swanage Town and Herston Football Club.
The company, Sutcliffe Play that specialises in building playgrounds, was selected by Swanage Town Council to refurbish the King George’s play area.
Drainage has been an issue
A number of challenges
The construction team have had to overcome a number of challenges including the issue of installing play equipment in an area that is prone to waterlogging.
They’ve come up with a number of strategies, including using lots of bark chippings and installing permeable flexible matting in some of the plays areas.
New paths and new swings
New equipment to explore
While some of the existing play items will remain, like the willow shelter, there will also be new equipment to explore. This includes:
- Two new fortress and tower themed multi play units with climbing and slides
- Variety of swings
- Timber trail, twenty metres in length
- Shaded seating area
- Four way seesaw
- Improved pathways into the play area
The playground is next to the popular skate park
Play England design
The aim of the new playground is not only to compliment the skate park, providing an area for younger children, but is also centred around the objectives of the charity, Play England.
The organisation campaigns for all play areas to be inclusive and accessible, creating the opportunity for everyone to meet and socialise with their friends, while keeping children and young people physically active and allowing them to choose what to do.
Some features like the willow shelter are staying
“We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors very soon!”
Swanage Town Council operations manager Gail Percival said:
“As well as retaining and refurbishing some of the most popular pieces of equipment, the town council is excited to add some new features to the play area
“It’s important to the council that the design is not only a lot of fun but also has consideration to Play England principles.
“Works are underway and we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors very soon!”
The aim is to open the playground, weather allowing, around Easter time.
The old St Mark’s School playing field in Jubilee Road is next on the ‘to do’ list
West Swanage plans on the agenda
Swanage Town Council also has plans for a new play area in West Swanage and has budgeted £22,500 to make improvements to the former St Mark’s School playing field in Jubilee Road.
The council took over the lease of the land in 2021 from Dorset Council and is looking to provide a new play area for local children, alongside the hard surfaced playground.
Work should start either later this year or the beginning of 2023.
