Sssshhhhhh….

…. We opened phase 2 this afternoon!  Come and visit us soon, it won’t be a secret for long!

We’re almost ready!…

We’re really pleased to let you know that we will soon be opening the second phase of the playground, and thought you might like a little insight into where further adventures will begin…

We have a wonderful new entrance into the playground, over a new boardwalk and bridge, bringing you straight into the new central area of the playground, where the train station, kiosk and toilets are located.   

(Due to circumstances beyond our control, however, we’re afraid it will be a little longer before the toilets and kiosk will open. We are doing everything we can to resolve this matter, and do hope that the wait will not be too long).

The new train station will be open, so train rides will start in this central area too, and take you on a journey to see the whole playground…

There is more play equipment, with a little more water…

A little more fun…

  

   

and a little more space to simply relax … 

   

Within this phase, the play equipment has a much lighter footprint than the play offer in phase 1. This is because we wanted to keep a balance between retaining the natural feel of what was historically a ‘pleasure ground’. enjoyed mainly for relaxing, and the introduction of more natural play.  As you explore further away from the central area, play ‘equipment’ may not be quite so obvious, but still offers plenty of opportunities to play and have fun, in more imaginative ways….

Watch this space for our opening date!

Our Station Master approves!

We were thrilled to see the train on the new track today, taking a first drive up to our lovely new station!  The train journey has been improved too and it won’t be long before we’re testing that also, even more for visitors to enjoy….!

 

It’s no joke!

It may be April Fools Day to some, but to us, it’s the beginning of a new era!  The gate to the playground was opened this morning, and we welcomed lots of new and familiar faces … when will you be coming to play?  

      

Only 6 more sleeps!

WOW, where has the time gone?  It’s hard to believe that we are actually in the final week of preparation before the first phase of the playground opens!   We’re just about ready, and can’t wait to share it with you ….

              

 

History in the making

The steelwork for our new bridge has been installed recently, and it was amazing to see it being lifted very carefully, and precisely, into place by an enormous 90 tonne crane.

It now awaits its transformation into the playgrounds wonderful new entrance …

Photo Credit: Rika Gordon        

                     

Opening update…

There’s a real buzz in the playground at the moment, everyone is working really hard to get the first phase ready for opening.  We know you’re all as excited about the playground reopening as we are, here’s a quick update …

The playground will be opening over 2 phases, with the first phase opening at the end of this month! (eeek! 🙂 )  This phase includes lots of new and exciting play equipment, and covers much of the original playground area.  The train will also be open, and will run from the existing train station.  (We hope you understand, but whilst we are opening part of the playground at the end of the month, there will still be a lot of construction happening at the far end of the site.  Therefore, with the sound of rumbling plant equipment in the background, the playground may not be as peaceful as we would like just yet, but it will be worth the wait!)

The second phase will open in early summer.  This phase will include further play equipment, new train station, kiosk, and the long awaited toilets!  Plus, there will also be a wonderful new entrance over the river, via a new bridge and boardwalk.  We can’t wait!

 

Update…

There has been a real hive of activity since the New Year, and the playground is really starting to take shape now.  There is still much to do, but since new play equipment has been installed recently and some of our existing equipment has nestled into lovely new homes, we thought you might like another little peek …  

                                                           

 Photo credit: RIka Gordon

New adventures in the making …

The tower is really progressing now, so we thought you might like a sneak peek … we have already nicknamed it ‘wow’, something we can’t help saying each time we see it!  

Tunnel slide set to be re-homed…

It was a little sad to see the tunnel slide being dismantled last week, and we have to confess to having lumps in our throats … it certainly felt like the end of an era.  That said, the slide will look amazing once it has had a clean and reinstated onto our fabulous new tower.  Recycling at its best, we couldn’t bare the thought of losing our favourite slide!