Community designed play area opened in the West of Waterlooville
A new play area at Newlands Walk is now open, featuring a range of apparatus with unique designs inspired by the surrounding area.
The final design was chosen by the local community from a variety of options created by Andy Frost, of A Frost Design. The design is based on the theme ‘in the hedgerow’ formed by Andy drawing inspiration from the natural environment of the site.
Berewood Primary School, Denmead Infant and Denmead Junior Schools and Wellington Vale Care House helped with voting for the proposals and have each designed a bench for the area.
This joint community project was opened on Saturday 7 July by the Major of Winchester Cllr Frank Pearson and the Deputy Mayor of Havant Cllr Diana Patrick. The event included sporting activities, children’s entertainment and wood carving lead by Andy Frost using pieces of wood from the leftover play area materials. There was also an appearance from Wonky the Woodpecker, a character created by the Landscape and Open Spaces team at Winchester City Council to promote the city’s 23 council-run play areas.
Cllr Caroline Brook, Portfolio Holder for Built Environment and key lead on this project, said:
“The local support designing this play area has been fantastic and thank you to everyone who has been involved.
The design was everything I had hoped for and more, combining art and play into this wonderful location.
This administration is committed to providing and maintaining high quality open spaces throughout the district and Newlands Walk, located in the West of Waterlooville major development area, will continue to benefit residents for years to come.”
The project has been delivered by the West of Waterlooville Public Arts Panel, led by Councillor Brook with support from officers at Winchester City Council and Havant Borough Council. The opening event activities were funded by Denmead Parish Council and Southwick and Widley Parish Council.