New Toddlers' Play Area
Open in time for the Easter holidaysMayor of Marlborough, Councillor Nicholas Fogg MBE was joined today by residents, Councillors, the Town Clerk and staff to open a new toddlers’ play area just in time for the Easter holidays.
The play area replaced one that had reached the end of its life at Kelham Gardens, backing on to Wye House Gardens.
It is the only play area in the Town Council’s estate that has been designed exclusively for the very young. There is wooden play equipment to climb and explore, a bouncy safety surface, space to run around, smart new railings to match those nearby, five benches and a number of planters. The play area adjoins Wye House Gardens and with its spring-fed pond, beautiful planting and tranquil setting, the area provides a wonderful amenity for the young and not so young alike.
The Mayor read out a long list of thanks before planting the final shrub and cutting the ribbon to declare the new facility open.
Joshie (almost 3!) was delighted to be the first ‘customer’, quickly exploring and finding everything to his satisfaction.
The Mayor gave a special mention to thank local resident Philip Ridge for such a great job helping with communications between the Town Council and our neighbours in Kelham Gardens as the work has progressed.
The Town Council is inviting local pre-school, play or community groups to adopt a planter to allow children to learn about growing and tending to plants. This could be to grow whatever they choose: fruit and vegetables, flowers, herbs or plants to attract wildlife. Please contact us if you'd like more information.
We hope the play area will be a hit with our youngest residents and visitors and look forward to seeing the results of their green-fingered plans.
Rather than using a full contractor team, the Town Council’s in-house Grounds team took the lead on the project from clearing and levelling the site to building the benches and planters. Grounds Manager Nigel Weatherly and Foreman Jason Walker took the lead with the rest of the Grounds Team very much involved. At the office, Deputy Town Clerk Clare Harris and Civic and Cemetery Administrator Andrea Millar were involved with the design and product research, with Office Manager Sue Fry looking after the finances and Corporate Services Officer Dawn Whitehall behind the lens. The Amenities & Open Spaces Committee and Finance & Policy Committee approved the plans, costs and fully supported the in-house approach to the project.
Our Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Fogg, cuts the ribbon Young Joshie puts the equipment through its paces
The play area is located at the rear of Wye House Gardens and the entrance is from Kelham Gardens. Location at what3words https://w3w.co/camps.finalists.flown