On Thursday 30th October, East Molesey welcomed a new addition to its collection of play areas. Situated beside Molesey Boat Club and the river Thames, this idyllic location is the perfect setting for a new adventure playground for children.
The project, undertaken by Elmbridge Borough Council, replaces the old play area on the corner of Graburn Way that has been dismantled to accommodate the Molesey Boat Club extension for new rowing facilities. The new playground with its wooden play equipment blends into the natural surroundings and is great for both children and parents, with shade, seating, picnic tables and superb river views sure to appeal to a wider range of people.
The opening event included free family fun activities organised by the Council’s ‘Shout!’ team and staff from the local Little Crickets Nursery. Families attending commented that: “we didn’t know about the opening until a couple of days ago but we are very glad that we came” and “it is friendly and buzzing”. There are many more activities for children in the new playground that allow them to be more creative and adventurous. One child declared “I love the spider web climb with the rope because you can swing on it”. Altogether, families agreed with a resounding yes that the park is a great improvement on the old one.
However, one local resident argued that “there are no safety railings to stop the children from running into the river and keep dogs out of the play area”. Council officials commented that it was not their intention to ‘contain’ children within the play area.
To conclude the event, the Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr Barry Fairbank, cut a ribbon to much applause declaring the new play area officially open. He stated “it is a wonderful new facility blending in with the location; it is a real plus for the area”.
By Nicola Evans, Surbiton High School.
