Bounce, climb and swing into half term at Waterloo Park’s brand-new play area, which opens today.
Children of all abilities can explore a range of brand-new equipment, much of which has been created from sustainable materials.
The park’s famous Splash Pad is central to the new design, and set to provide free, splash-tastic fun for yet another summer.
There are more than 75 play features to entertain children from 0 to 12 years old within the new play area. Highlights include an adventure sensory den and dome, pendulum rope swing and a five bay swing frame, with an array of seating styles to choose from.
Everything about the upgraded play area has children’s development and enjoyment at heart.
Learning panels are incorporated across the equipment to help develop motor skills, abstract thinking, emotional development and hand-eye coordination. Look out for playful graphics inspired by nature as you explore the park.
Inclusive elements include a wheelchair-friendly trampoline, see-saw and carousel. Children with autism will benefit from a communication play panel, designed to help with effective communication. Visitors will also be welcomed by vibrant new signage which features a Braille panel and QR code linking to information about the park’s history. New seating has also been installed to create rest stops and quiet areas.
It’s sustainable too. The triple tower climbing frame is made from recycled textile and plastic ocean waste. Posts which would have traditionally been made from steel are made from recycled textiles and plastic bags.
Norwich City Council’s cabinet member Councillor Adam Giles said: “Waterloo Park is an incredibly special part of the community, and we are delighted to have been able to invest in its much-loved play area so that children of all abilities can enjoy it for years to come.
“This upgrade demonstrates our commitment to enhancing and protecting the city’s parks, which play a vital role to all residents’ wellbeing, while making sure we do this in an inclusive and sustainable way.”
Andrew Mitchell, Chair of Friends of Waterloo Park added:
“Norwich City Council and the Friends of Waterloo Park have a shared vision to improve Waterloo Park. The new play area has improved one of the most popular green spaces in Norwich, and made a real difference to our residents, and added extra value to the park.
“The Friends are delighted that the council was able to deliver this new-look play area. The new equipment will provide an inclusive environment for children of a wide range of ages and abilities, and will give opportunities to enable them to explore, interact and have fun. I am sure the play area will continue to be as it always has been - a much-loved space for families in our community.
Many thanks to those officers of Norwich City Council involved in delivering Waterloo Park’s newest asset, and thanks also to visitors to the park for their understanding and support while the work was undertaken.”
The new Waterloo Park play area has been installed by Kompan, following a public consultation on design proposals. The new design is based on PiPA definitions of accessible and inclusive play spaces; focussing on accessible, sensory and dynamic play.
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