Millpond unsupervised playground opens

Hundreds of children and families welcomed in an exciting new era for play in Bewbush at the official opening of brilliant new facilities.

Children and young people were able to test out the shiny new equipment at the redeveloped Millpond Playground which is packed with features for them to enjoy.

Slides, climbing frames, see-saws, a roundabout, and swings are among the new equipment provided, all set on a safe soft-play surface and in a fenced-in space. There are musical consoles as well as seating and picnic tables for those wanting to sit out of the way, conserve their energy or have a bite to eat.

The revamped site is the result of consultation with the community in finding ways to replace equipment that was either ‘end of life’ or not appropriate for an unsupervised children’s play park.

The site in also expected to become a hub for the community through a collaboration between Crawley Borough Council and the Inspire Castle Group. An agreement has been reached for the group to lease the building next to the playground from the council as it looks to engage a number of other services within the building.

Councillor Chris Mullins, Cabinet member for Wellbeing at Crawley Borough Council, cut the ceremonial ribbon to herald the playground’s opening.

Inspire Castle Group is made up of Natalie Campbell, the founder and ‘Save the Millpond’ petitioner, along with David Grafham and Kathy Rogers from Delta Security Management and Daniel Armstrong of Spotted Crawley.

The park, which is accessed from Collins Road, Bewbush, RH11 8FN, is open seven days a week from 9am to 7.30pm April to September and 9am to 4pm October to March.