New Whitleigh play area opens to young explorers

A brand new natural play area that was designed and named by local children and residents is to be officially opened on Saturday 27 July.

The 'Explorers Park' in Whitleigh includes a tree deck, a climbing feature, a basket swing, story telling area and accessible path. Its unveiling marks the completion of work by Plymouth City Council's Neighbourhood Management and Street Scene Services teams to realise the vision of the local community. The park cost £40,000 to develop with £20,000 of Section 106 money from a local housing development and £20,000 from Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) Money Tree Fund.

The grand opening will take place at midday when Cabinet member for the Environment, Councillor Brian Vincent will cut the ribbon. He said: "It's wonderful to see how this park has taken shape with local children and residents coming up with the designs. Now the community can really enjoy the area and there are lots of fun features where children can play."

Paul McGarry, PCH's Senior Housing Officer for Whitleigh, said: "It's great that we were able to help contribute towards this play area, particularly as it has been designed by the children who will use it. We want to make our communities better for all residents."

The community will mark the completion of work at the park with a celebration from 11am to 2pm including an outdoor drumming performance as part of the day by the Whitleigh Taiko group from Whitleigh Primary school, storytelling and face painting, clay making, forest school, food and competitions.

Wood View Learning Community including Whitleigh Children's Centre, Whitleigh Primary School and Woodlands Community Special School all took part in the design of the new park and a consultation with the community was held as part of Make a Difference Day in 2012. Children at Woodlands can use the park as an outdoor classroom.