Families were invited to celebrate the installation of two new pieces of play equipment that were picked by children at a LiveWest community play area.
The project grew out of consultation with residents, who said they wanted more for older children to do in the play area.
The improvements, a set of monkey bars and a nest swing, were installed in Barne Barton in Plymouth after residents voted in favour of using surplus from their sinking fund, a fund set aside over time for essential maintenance, to support this.
LiveWest supported residents throughout the process, helping to turn community feedback into action.
An Easter egg hunt marked the official opening of the new play items and provided an opportunity for families to come together, explore the updated space and celebrate a project shaped by residents and children.
Ali Knight, our Community Connector for the area, said: “It's been wonderful to see so many children and families come to this event today to try out the new play items and join in with the Easter Egg Hunt, it really makes all this work worthwhile to see the children playing on their new equipment.
“The park was suitable for 0–6-year-olds and the work that we have done has made it suitable for at least 0–12-year-olds. The nest swing particularly allows for more creative communal play.”
When children were also consulted, they shared ideas for additional play items, helping to shape the plans. Although options were limited by the space available, feedback from children who attended events led to the selection of the monkey bars and nest swing.
These latest additions build on earlier changes to the play area, including replacing two baby swings with one baby swing and one child swing to better support mixed age families.
Children who attended the opening said they were excited to see their ideas become a reality.
Riley said: “I was really excited when the gates came up because it means we have more things to go on. And every time we come down here to play, there are loads of people here which is great.”
Isla said: “It's the best view here because we can see the dock view because there's no houses over there. And at night time, because my sister's got a bedroom in the top of the house and the window, you can look out and you can see the whole dock and it's really nice.”
Reggie added: “The park is really good, and older people can go on the monkey bars. I enjoy most about the park is having my friends swing me around on the circle swing.”
Our Community partners, Ellie Cliff, Community Engagement from Bell Construction and Community Builder, Mike Hookway, from Four Greens Community Trust, helped make this event happen.
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