Ribbon cut on new Thrapston play area

Toddlers in Thrapston have some more equipment to play on after the ribbon was cut on a new facility yesterday (Friday).

Thrapston Town Council - with support from East Northamptonshire Council's community facilities fund - has installed a new play area for under fives in the Peace Park in Market Road.

It features equipment for spinning, climbing, swinging, bouncing and balancing so youngsters can explore their range of movement. Several of the pieces were chosen specifically because of their accessibility for disabled users.

The Peace Park was bought by the council 100 years ago as a memorial to those lost in the Great War and the council chose the design because it incorporates this part of Thrapston’s proud history in the approach to the play area. The play area also includes a nod to the much-loved ‘elephant tree’ that had to be removed from the park for safety reasons.

Mayor of Thrapston, Cllr Karen Draycott, said: “We are very excited to be opening the new Kompan play area in the Peace Park.

"We know how important our outdoor spaces are to young families, especially in these difficult times when keeping children occupied outside the home can be a challenge.

"I would like to ask residents to use the area responsibly and safely. Please follow government guidance by using hand sanitiser before and after use and do not allow children to use the

equipment if they are unwell.

"We are very grateful to East Northamptonshire Council for assisting us with funding and we can’t wait to hear what our residents think of this fantastic new facility.”

The new play area is enclosed with fencing to provide safety for the younger generation and there is a seating area so that parents and carers can relax.

In early autumn the town council will be making further improvements to the Peace Park in the lower section by Huntingdon Road which will include new accessible footpaths, appropriately named Centenary Walk. There will also be additional seating areas.

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