Kids are the kings of the castle
Forget the Knights of the Round Table – children from the
Wiggington Park area of Tamworth are taking on the role of the
knights of the roundabout at their new heraldic-themed playground,
which was recently officially opened.
Wicksteed Playscapes came up with the innovative design for the
traditional play park in Elizabeth Drive, based around the
city’s 15th century castle. The playground surfacing was
styled to depict all the imagery associated with castles, such as
crenellations, shields, swords and coats of arms and was
complemented with a turreted slide.
“We badly needed some play facilities in the area and after
surveying local school children and approaching several play
companies for ideas, Wicksteed came back with an idea with which we
were really pleased,” says Street Scene Manager for Tamworth
Council, Sarah McGrandle. “As well as looking really lovely,
it also met our requirements in terms of durability and cost. In
particular, we do have a few problems with vandalism in this area
and were attracted to this scheme because of its high use of metal,
highly-durable plastic, and no wood or ropes.”
Sarah says feedback about the playground, which was funded by a
£115,000 grant from the Big Lottery Play Programme, has
already been good. “Everyone in the area has been really
positive about it and during the school holidays it is always very
well used!”
A Multi-Use Games Area and Commando Ant Hill Climber have also been
installed alongside the main playground, so the outdoor play
provision for the local community in this part of Tamworth is well
and truly catered for.
Learn more about Wicksteed visit www.wicksteed.co.uk