Play time starts again as £245k new toddlers' area opens at Coronation Park

Friday 30 March 2018

The toddlers play area at Coronation Park as reopened ahead of the Easter break after a £245,000 replacement project.

The 30-year-old play equipment, which some described as "tired and dated", has been replaced by modern equipment conforming to current design and safety standards.

The new equipment has been designed for children between the ages of three and six. However, the play area also includes certain pieces such as cradle swings and rockers that are suitable for younger children.

The main central feature incorporates a run of various different activity elements for children to play on together. Other equipment includes swings, rockers, a see-saw, trampolines and roundabouts. 

The Department for Infrastructure spoke to local educational establishments about accessible play equipment and said that a lot of the equipment is inclusive and can be used by children with various abilities. This includes a trampoline with a ramp to allow wheel chair access, a wheel chair friendly roundabout, chimes, a swing with a bucket seat, mini nest swings and inclusive rockers. 

Pictured: The Assistant Minister, Deputy Richard Rondel and the Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Eddie Noel cutting the ribbon with Bel Royal pupils.

Deputy Eddie Noel, Minister for Infrastructure, commented: “This is a fabulous play area for little children. It’s bright and current with equipment which is safe but also exciting, challenging and innovative. It’s going to give hours of enjoyment to a lot of youngsters, who’ll want to come back again and again.”

The replacement project started in early February and the play area had to remain closed during the refit. Pupils from Bel Royal School reopened the play area on 27 March with the Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Eddie Noel and the Assistant Minister, Deputy Richard Rondel.

The new play area already received the stamp of approval of Kids' Rock (Jersey), a 2,795-strong online community of parents. Sharing photos of children trying out the new equipment, the admins wrote: "The new park definitely comes Kids’ Rock Approved and we can’t wait for some lovely sunshine so we can all enjoy the new space. Well done to all involved in the planning and creating of this wonderful new space."