Half term Stepping Stones fun in new look Rothesay Gardens play area
Families living in and around Rothesay Gardens will be clambering over piles of logs as they road test their new look play area.
The area has been given a wooden makeover and massive logs are now getting a new lease of life as monkey bars, see-saw, a climbing log tangle as well as toddler swings.
Youngsters at Shakespeare Primary and Brooke Green Centre for Learning helped build bridges, a picnic area and log play equipment during a series of sessions with play contractors, Earthwrights. Residents also asked for a picnic bench outside the play area and football posts to be installed on the green.
The £12,000 improvement project was funded through Stepping Stones to Nature and the Big Green Space Challenge Fund – a scheme that awards funds for natural landscaping projects to improve where people live.
The challenge is funded by the Langage Landscape Fund, which has come from the development of the Langage Energy Centre at Plympton by Centrica and is a joint initiative between South Hams District Council, Plymouth City Council and Natural England.
Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “We’ve worked really closely with residents and their children to take on board all their ideas. The whole play area looks and feels completely different and we hope there are many years of fun and fresh air and lots of imagination ahead.”
Play rangers will be at the opening event and they have also promised to be at the play area every Monday of the Summer holidays.
The opening of the play area at 12 noon on Wednesday 29 May is just one event taking place over the May half term that will give families plenty of fun and fresh air. Other events include:
- Tuesday 28 May
from 11am to 1pm – Wild about Woods: a free storytelling walk and nature activities at Forder Valley. Bring a picnic. Meet 11am by the entrance at Sheeptor Road (just off Novorossiysk Road)
- Wednesday 29 May
from 11am until 12 noon – Wild About Woodland Play! Free storytelling walk. Meet at 11am by the entrance to Woodland Wood, just off Ringmore Way, West Park
12 noon until 2 pm: free family fun at the new improved Rothesay Gardens with the play rangers and Wild about Woods
- Thursday 30 May
from 11am to 2pm – free family activities and nature games in Southway Valley. Meet at the entrance off Pendeen Crescent and bring a picnic
- Friday 31 May
from 11am until 12 noon – Storytelling Walk in Ham Woods. Bring a picnic. Meet at 11am at rendezvous seating areas
For more information on outdoor events in Plymouth visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/parksnatureevents
Follow Facebook - SteppingStones Plymouth, email steppingstones@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307849.
Stepping Stones is funded by Big Lottery’s Access to Nature programme, hosted by Plymouth City Council’s Planning Services.
