COLEVIEW children now have an exciting new place to play after the opening of a state-of-the-art park.

Local schoolchildren from Coleview Infants helped Coun John Foley cut a red ribbon to officially launch the new equipment designed to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for exploring and developing play abilities.

After two months of public consultation, the play park includes a range of activities for all ages, including a spider’s web climbing frame, a dragon and a surf board.

It will serve the recently-built housing estate on the former St Joseph’s School site, in Oakley Park, and has been funded by the Section 106 agreement money provided by the developer.

Miracle Design and Play Limited with Mant Leisure produced the final design and oversaw the installation of the play equipment, with the parish council’s grounds team installing a series of French drains to address drainage issues.

Work was completed on Thursday, September 20, and the area was opened that evening following an inspection carried out by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Coun Foley, chairman of Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said the park had proved a huge hit with the children in the local area.

He said: “We are over the moon about it. This is what the parish council is all about. This was designed by the children for the children and I think it looks fantastic.

“It has proved to be very popular, there are always children using it at the weekends or in the evenings after school.

“We just hope it is not vandalised.”

Paul Russell, clerk to the council, said: “The play area looks absolutely fantastic and seems to be a huge success. Special thanks must go to the council’s grounds team for all their efforts in helping the council to deliver this fantastic facility.

“Thanks also to Miracle Play and Design and Mant Leisure for all their help and support in helping to make this happen.”

Beverley Minton, of Coleview, said her daughter Emily loved the new play park.

She said: “I think it is great, it is an ideal facility which is really well used by all of the children.

“Because it is different to the usual play park it is popular with the children.

“It is a great opportunity for the children to play and explore.”

More improvements across the parish are taking place as the council announces further investment to improve six existing play areas.

A total of £33,500 has been allocated to improve the Melford Walk, Sywell Road, Greenbridge Road, Brooks Close, Grange Drive and Stephens Road play areas.