Latest news with #adventureplayground
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New adventure playground opens with zip line and climbing frames
A new adventure playground has opened at Lepe Country Park in Southampton. The play area, inspired by Lepe's D-Day history and coastal setting, features a zip line, obstacle course, climbing frames, and a den-building area. The centrepiece is the 'Lepe Lighthouse', complete with a scramble net, firefighter's pole, and slide. The project received £100,000 from New Forest District Council's Community Infrastructure Levy grant, with further support from Hampshire County Council. READ MORE: Council brings games and green advice to New Forest Show Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council's cabinet lead for universal services, said: "I'm delighted to open this fantastic new play space at Lepe Country Park. "Thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural landscape, it offers an exciting experience for children of all ages, open just in time for the summer holidays." Cllr Derek Tipp, New Forest District Council's portfolio holder for planning and economy, said: "We're sure it will continue to be an all-year-round community asset for residents and visitors."
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Popular adventure playground at risk of closure over lack of funds
A city adventure playground is at risk of closure just two years before its 50th anniversary. Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground CIO provides after school and holiday provisions for eight to 13-year-olds. In a letter shared with this newspaper, the CIO stated it will have to temporarily close from September 1 due to a lack of funds. A meeting will be held on Friday, August 8 at 4pm to discuss ideas on how to keep it open. In the meantime, a fundraising page has been set up with a target of £3,000. In the letter, it said: "We are writing to inform you about a very difficult decision regarding Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground (BLAP). Starting September 1, BLAP will be temporarily closing. READ MORE: 10 criminals jailed at Oxford Crown Court during July A youngster enjoying the adventure playground (Image: Jon Lewis) "We are aware of the impact this will have on many families. We hope, but cannot guarantee, to be reopen by Christmas. "We are inviting you to a meeting at BLAP on Friday, August 8 at 4pm. A bouncy castle will be available (already paid for as part of the play-scheme) so your children can play while we meet. "We will listen to ideas you may have to help BLAP reopen as soon as possible." It added: "This decision has not been taken lightly. Unfortunately, our current financial situation leaves us with no other choice. "Rising operational costs, funding cuts, and the challenging economic climate have created a shortfall that we cannot immediately overcome. "During this temporary closure, two important things will happen. We are seeking funds for essential renovation work to take place. "We are working together within this time to apply for major grants and funding, so that BLAP can return stronger and more sustainable." On its upcoming anniversary, the letter said: "BLAP will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027, and we are determined to keep our gates open so that all children - past, present, and future - can enjoy this special place. "We now turn to you, our wonderful parents and supporters, for help. "If you can, please consider making a voluntary donation to help us through this crisis. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a real difference. "Please share with family and friends and workplace who might be able to donate or share through their social media platforms. "The cost of running BLAP has increased including a 25 per cent in staff costs in the last three years." It added: "Every pound donated goes directly towards keeping BLAP alive for the children in our community. "Thank you for your continued support over the years. "Together, we can ensure that BLAP reopens, thrives, and celebrates its 50th birthday with all of you by our side." For more on the fundraiser, visit:
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
Beautiful forest has views like nowhere else in Wales but there's a catch
Just a 10‑minute drive from junction 28 of the M4 is a serene trip through the heart of a forest. Cwmcarn Forest originally opened in 1972 on the site of a former coal colliery and has undergone several phases of redevelopment. There's now a visitor centre with café, shop, offices, a glamping site, lakeside landscaping, and new footpaths which were all part of a £2m investment from the Welsh Government. Since reopening in 2021 visitor numbers have surged, according to their website, with the drive being especially popular during weekends and school holidays. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here. READ MORE: I stayed at one of the most luxurious apartments in Wales with the best sea view READ MORE: Best holiday park in Wales named — it scores higher than Bluestone and Haven While driving around you get to twist through peaceful woodland, stop at one of seven car parks for panoramic views, enjoy picnic and barbecue spots, and let kids run wild in the new adventure playgrounds, sensory tunnels, woodland sculptures, and all-ability paths. But there's a crucial catch as entry is charged per vehicle which is currently £5 for motorbikes, £10 for cars, and more for larger vehicles. The full price and timing info is available on the visitor information page online. And if you're wondering why you might not have heard about it before this makes sense as it's still relatively new after the forest was closed for six years from 2015 to remove around 150,000 larch trees infected by the fungus phytophthora ramorum. This was essential to prevent the disease spreading and causing wider issues and David Letellier of NRW described it as "an environmental crisis that was very challenging to deal with but also had massive cost implications and we had to move very very fast indeed".
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Alex Horne becomes patron of Thames Valley Adventure Playground
Comedian and author Alex Horne has become a patron of a much-loved adventure playground used by people with special needs and their Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP), near Maidenhead, Berkshire, opened in 1982 and high profile supporters have included Sir Terry Wogan, who was also a patron, and Tim Brooke Taylor, a former was approached by Lola, the daughter of the charity's community outreach coordinator, Lucie Grange, who sent a letter that she had written on a said he knew within a few minutes into his first visit to the playground that he wanted to get involved. "It's not often I receive a letter direct from an actual typewriter so that was a good start," Horne said."Then when I was shown around the playground by Lucie, I knew within a few minutes that I would have to get involved in some way." "The commitment the whole team so clearly has to provide adventure and play for people who need those things the most was both powerful and persuasive."So I'm as excited as anyone to have now joined that team and will hopefully be able to join in and make more fun happen before too long. Thanks again to Lola for the letter." TVAP's chairman Jim Wilks added: "Alex's ethos aligns with our vision, and we look forward to working with him to raise both our profile and our funds, ensuring that we continue to provide an inspiring, inclusive environment for all our visitors and their families."In January, TVAP said its visitors come from as far as Swindon and west London to use its specialist Wilks said running it had been "tough" because of rising costs and that it had been forced to increase its prices for the first time since the Covid pandemic. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
