NEW play equipment offering young people the chance to enjoy a variety of different activities is a step closer to being developed.

Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) hopes to secure a £30,000 grant to bring the play equipment to Simmons Park.

The scheme is part of the Okehampton Sports and Activity Hub, which has recently delivered the new all-weather pitch and cricket facilities.

OCRA development activity manager Stuart Lord said: 'It's all about young people being more active in this fantastic space where there are numerous recreational opportunities.

'Simmons Park is a space where all the family can go and enjoy what it has to offer.

'The new facilities would add to the town, which already has a fantastic set up.'

A student consultation period will take place within the next ten days to find out what young people want in the park.

Mr Lord added: 'We are working in partnership with Okehampton Town Council.

'The scheme adds to the council's rock and climbing equipment project.'

Activities will include group workshops in the park where young people can make sculptures out of live willow trees to create features such as archways, paths and walk through frames.

The sculptures will have an Alice in Wonderland theme to encourage people to use other areas of the park and create their own space.

A swing shaped like a spider's web will also be available to cater for people with limited movement and disabilities.

There will be play equipment that mirrors ski and surfing motion, as well as gym equipment for people working against their own resistance.

It is also hoped to develop a beach area where youngsters and families can enjoy games of volley ball and beach football.

Town councillors visited the park last week to look at utilising the space there.

West Devon Borough Councillor and Devon County and Okehampton Town Cllr Christine Marsh said the play equipment would encourage young people to get more active: 'I am all for the park having more facilities for youngsters to use.'

Mayor of Okehampton Cllr David Weekes said: 'It's brilliant and something we should encourage to keep young people interested and active, which in turn will keep them out of mischief.

'We thought about the sanded area when we first put new equipment in, but there were a few pitfalls, however, technology has improved.'

He said there was 'a major dog mess problem' in the town, which was down to irresponsible dog owners. 'We are pursuing ways to encourage people to clear up after their animals,' he said.

'The beached area would be fenced in and is an excellent idea.

'It will be great to inspire families to use the park's facilities and give the park a broader aspect.

'We are looking at areas we can utilise, but we don't want to spoil the overall enhancement within the park.

'The equipment has to blend in and be in keeping with the park's beautiful surroundings.

'It's very important that we keep the sparkle of Okehampton's jewel.'

A decision on the project will be made at the end of March.

OCRA will also have a new scheme, OCRA Action, which will be held in the summer. It will offer free play for children to get involved in sport activities outdoors.

Anyone who wants to find out more about OCRA Action or to put forward their views on the outdoor equipment can visit http://www.ocrasport.org.uk">www.ocrasport.org.uk

The outdoor play equipment proposal is part of the Government Children's Plan play commitment.

Devon County Council has secured £1.1-million from the Play Builder project for the development of at least 22 play areas for 8 to 13 year olds across the country.