Station Road play area set for £110k makeover

Work has started on the £110k refurbishment of a play area in Exeter.

The facility at Pinhoe Station Road is being rebuilt by Exeter City Council after locals were asked what sort of play equipment they would like to see introduced.

Work is hoped to be completed by the summer holidays but is weather dependent.

The new play area has been designed to provide a challenging and enjoyable mix of equipment for children of all ages and abilities.  Along with the traditional favourites of swings and see-saws, there will be two split-level play towers designed for toddlers and juniors, a challenging 4.1m high mizzenmast climbing net, buddy board rocker and giant rope swing designed for groups of children to use together. 

There are also features designed specifically with accessibility in mind, including a roundabout installed to ground level with a designated wheelchair station, swing with face-to-face seats, play panels, musical panels and sensory areas.

Cllr David Harvey , Lead Councillor for Environment and City Development, said the new play area was being funded by developer contributions from a nearby housing development.

“We were keen to find out exactly what people wanted from the play area and carried out an extensive consultation exercise with those living in Pinhoe as well as the local schools. When it is completed I am extremely confident that it will be just what locals want from a play area.”

The play area is being delivered by Wicksteed Ltd on behalf of the City Council, using locally based installers. When finished the Council is planning to hold an official open day, details of which will be announced nearer the time.