In late 2018, Fenland District Council set about giving one of Fenland’s oldest play parks a new lease of life, after being awarded funding by WREN’s FCC community action fund to overhaul the play area at Water Tower Play Park in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire.
Consultations were held with residents before it was decided that old equipment on site needed to be replaced, providing a refreshed green space for the community for children and adults.
Our main objective was to create several play opportunities for children of a range of ages and abilities.
With the space being in close proximity to a residential area, it was crucial that any impact on residents was kept to a minimum.
A key element of the regeneration was that the space should include a variety of exciting play opportunities for 0-16-year-olds, encouraging social interaction and development.
The scheme now provides a selection of play features for parents and children to enjoy together including free form, rope and nest swings, an inclusive roundabout designed for easier boarding by children in wheelchairs, Mission Tangent unit featuring a glider and climbing apparatus, and a Toddlerzone unit with ramps and platforms.
The equipment has been situated to allow for children to grow into older age equipment without too much of a challenge and taking into account opportunities for ‘non-prescriptive’ play; allowing children to play freely and use their imaginations. Seating was also added that would enable parents and carers to have a 360° view of the play area, to keep an eye on their children at all times.
“Thanks to Sutcliffe Play for the job at Water Tower Play Park. Great result and very professional work from the team all the way from bid to completion.”
Phil Hughes, Head of Leisure Services at Fenland District Council