A THEMED nine metre high tree house play tower takes centre stage alongside sensory play, toddler area, trampoline, zip wire and an amphitheatre as part of improvement plans coming to Arrow Valley Country Park in the near future.
Leading playground designers Kompan has successfully won a tender put out by Redditch Borough Council to re-imagine the attractions at Arrow Valley to give residents and visitors something new, fun and practical to enjoy.
After completing consultations with visitors to the park last year, the new design has been based as closely as possible on their feedback and the brand-new play area should be ready to officially open next spring.
Whilst the nine metre tower is subject to planning permission and will be discussed at a future planning committee, work on the rest of the design will start over winter to reduce the impact on park users.
It is hoped the play park will be in place by the end of the year, but this will be dependent on weather, Covid restrictions and planning permission.
The work, which will cost just over £300,000, aims to bring families closer to nature with an Arrow Valley wildlife themed play park that includes a toddler area, zip wire, trampolines, a number of accessible and inclusive pieces of equipment for both wheelchair users and autistic visitors.
It will also feature redesigned pedestrian routes and new adult seating.
Kompan will also be developing a small amphitheatre with tiered seating, to improve the general open space, which could be used for outdoor or street theatre, entertainment, live music, group yoga or exercise sessions.
There will also be several new benches around the area so families can make use of the space for picnics.
When completed, the council and Kompan will be hosting a launch event for local families.
Councillor Mike Rouse, leisure portfolio holder for the Council, said: “People told us they want more good things especially for our young people and this certainly delivers.
“Along with the improved cafe at the lake, come next spring you and your family will be able to enjoy hours of outdoor fun and adventure.”
Coun Matt Dormer, Leader of the Council, added: “Our parks have been more important than ever during the pandemic, so I am really pleased that the play area will be getting a well-deserved makeover in the coming months.
“Step by step we are continuing to unlock the potential of our borough and improve our offer for residents and visitors.”
Kompan area manager Rob Heard said: “Kompan are a world lead manufacturer of play equipment and are thrilled to have been chosen to deliver such a prestigious play project.
“As a local resident and regular user of the park myself I know how welcome these new facilities will be to the people of Redditch.”
A 360 degree plan of the park proposals is available at: http://dvx.kompan.com/england/Arrow_Valley_PC&Tablet_Version/
