CHILDREN and parents are jumping for joy after a new £150,000 children’s play park was officially unveiled in Newquay.

Mayor Drew Creek along with a group of schoolchildren cut the ribbon to Mount Wise Gardens Play Park at the grand opening on Wednesday, September 2.

Newquay Town Council’s facility includes climbing frames, slides, a bug magnifier, an inclusive totem, interactive play panels, a pirate’s lookout, a hammock and a somersault bar.

The play park was built by outdoor playground manufacturer Wicksteed and funded through a £50,000 donation from the Boardmasters Foundation as well as £100,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy.

Children have given the play park a big thumbs up (Picture: Warren Wilkins)
Children have given the play park a big thumbs up (Picture: Warren Wilkins)

Attendees were able to explore the new facilities and enjoy free refreshments.

Parents and children have given the play park a big thumbs up.

Charlotte Foulsham said: “It’s brilliant. We live nearby and have walked past for months to see how it’s all coming together.

“I think they have made best out of the space as well as keeping a lot of the greenery.

“We are going to make so much use of it. I have two young children and I think it will be hard to get them out.”

Mayor Drew Creek with his son Carter at the unveiling (Picture: Warren Wilkins)
Mayor Drew Creek with his son Carter at the unveiling (Picture: Warren Wilkins)

Sandy Reidie added: “The new play park is amazing. The area was an abandoned piece of land and now friends and family will be able to meet here. “We will use it on the way into town. It is really spectacular. A lovely idea.”

Parent Sandy Reidie and her son think the park is amazing (Picture: Warren Wilkins)
Parent Sandy Reidie and her son think the park is amazing (Picture: Warren Wilkins)

Leah Percival said: “We absolutely love the new play park. It’s great for my two toddlers.”

Children have wasted no time enjoying the new play park
Children have wasted no time enjoying the new play park

The town council devolved a parcel of land from Cornwall Council to create the new play park.

Cllr Creek said: “The play park has been three years in the making.

“It was clear after the refurbishment of Trenance Valley play park that it did not deliver on what children wanted and needed. I heard that loud and clear from the children.

“So, the vision for the play park was not my vision. It was the children’s vision.

“I would like to thank all the children and parents who reached out to me directly and through the public consultation.

“The play park is for the children of Newquay and it’s such a joy and privilege to see the children already enjoying this facility.

“The town council fought to devolve this site from Cornwall Council, which was no easy feat. It was a long process but we believe that this community deserved it.

“I'm proud to say that the £150,000 pounds for the play park came without touching a single penny of taxpayer’s money. Fifty thousand pounds came from the Boardmasters Foundation. It's that generosity that really makes Boardmasters leave a lasting legacy on our town, and I thank them.

“The other £100,000 came from the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is a developer funding pot. That's exactly what that funding is for, which is to improve the facilities of this town.”

Mayor Drew Creek thanked Wicksteed for building a "fantastic" for the children in the community
Mayor Drew Creek thanked Wicksteed for building a "fantastic" for the children in the community

A spokesperson for Newquay Town Council added: “We hope this vibrant new space will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.”