Pupils test drive our latest play area

26 July 2010

The new facility in Willow Way was unveiled to screams of delight from pupils at the nearby Darley Churchtown CE Primary School.

The District Council arranged for the youngsters to be the first to experience the new play area – a fitting reward as the school played a big part in local consultation about what equipment should be installed there.

Fun equipment includes a spinning cup, cradle swing, talking tubes, zigzag spinners, stepping logs and even a flying saucer!

This latest new play area for the Derbyshire Dales follows the revamping last year of play areas in the District Council’s Recreation Grounds in Bakewell and Ashbourne.  Another new play development was launched in Ashbourne’s Highfield Road last month.

Councillor Mrs Janet Goodison, Chairman of Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Community and Environment Committee, said: “We place great importance on children in the Dales being encouraged to lead active and healthy lifestyles and I am really pleased another new exciting and adventurous play area has been opened.

”I’m delighted also that local children who helped us create a facility they wanted were our VIP guests for the unveiling.”

An official opening ceremony will take place at Willow Way before the end of the summer.

The new play area is part of a grant from Derbyshire County Council to provide new Playbuilder spaces across the county. Councillor Mrs Tracy Critchlow, the County’s Cabinet Member for Young People and also a district councillor, said: “Derbyshire Playbuilder is a tremendous scheme which demonstrates our commitment to provide the county’s children with a healthy and active start in life.”

• Pictured above: Darley Churchtown pupils race into the new play area as the safety barriers come down… and enjoy the play equipment