The play area at Holywells Park in Ipswich is the next to undergo a transformation under Ipswich Borough Council’s newly adopted Play Area Strategy 2022-2027.
The strategy, which was recently approved by the Council, includes the improvement of 45 play areas across Ipswich with works already being completed at Castle Hill Play Area.
The new play area at Holywells Park will be called ‘Imagination Island’ and explores the connection between water and wells throughout the park.
The facilities include a variety of new equipment, with a rope bridge, climbing tower, slide, ability swing and much more.
The new play area will be located in the same place at the current play area which means it will be closed to the public while the works are undertaken.
Councillor Phil Smart, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, says:
“I am really pleased to see that despite only recently approving our new Play Area Strategy, that we are making such good progress on play area improvements.
“The play area at Holywells Park is much loved by the local community and we are looking forward to unveiling a brand-new play facility that people of all ages and abilities from across Ipswich can enjoy.
“I would encourage everyone to make use of the current facilities during the October half term as due to the location of the play area, we do have to shut the current facility while the works take place which means they will be unavailable for use from Tuesday 1 November.”
Robin Gape, Chair of the Friends of Holywells Park, says:
"The tall rope climbing frame has been a good friend in the Holywells Park Play Area for the last 15 years and sadly, it is now time to say goodbye. A new set of Play Area equipment will take the place of the old, with a heightened attention to inclusion.
“The revived Play Area should offer something for even more kids than before, including a quiet area. The Friends of Holywells Park warmly welcome the commitment from Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) to make a considerable investment in the future of the Play Area.
“When the Play Area re-opens, hopefully in February next year, kids should have a lot of fun exploring the new equipment and layout. And when the weather gets warmer, then the Water Feature will be there as before.
“Thanks again to IBC, our local councillors, local developers, and most of all to the Play Area users, who make this development so worthwhile."
