Children across East Devon will be treated to ten new play areas thanks to a £1.2million cash injection.
More than 100 pieces of equipment will be installed across the sites, including everything from ground-level trampolines and climbing frames to tunnels and roundabouts designed for wheelchair access.
The first five sites are due to be completed by the summer holidays, with some due to reopen earlier. These include:
Land of Canaan, Ottery St Mary – £176k.
Carter Avenue, Exmouth – £165k.
Willow Walk, Honiton – £79k.
Baker Close, Sidmouth – £91k.
Brixington Playing Field, Exmouth – £51k.
(includes new gym equipment and a single-end multi-use games area)
The improvements are being funded by East Devon District Council (EDDC) through its Capital Programme (£1.1million), with the remaining costs covered by S106 contributions – payments made by developers as part of planning agreements.
The remaining five sites are scheduled to begin after the summer holidays to minimise disruption for schools and local communities during the busiest time of year:
- Allhallows, Honiton – £167k.
- Byron Way, Exmouth – £137k.
- Littleham, Exmouth – £85k.
- Slewton Crescent, Whimple – £109k.
- Whitebridges, Honiton– £166k.
Local residents played a key role in shaping the designs. Over the summer of 2024, hundreds of people across East Devon took part in an online consultation sharing ideas for the types of play features they wanted to see in their local parks. All participants are now being contacted directly with updates.
Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for Environment - Operations, said:
"It’s fantastic to see this investment moving forward, with brand-new play areas that reflect what our communities told us they wanted.
“We’re delivering more inclusive spaces that encourage children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors.
“I’m especially pleased that the work has been carefully scheduled to minimise disruption during the summer holidays."
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