CHILDREN in Okehampton have been given the chance to help shape the design of a new play area proposed for Kempley Meadow. Town councillors received a presentation at last week parks committee meeting from Steve Ward of Kompan Play who is putting together a proposal for a new children?s play area in Simmons Park. Mr Ward said he had visited a number of local schools to canvas children?s opinions on the sort of equipment they find fun and would most like to see incorporated into any new play area. Among the items which were popular with children were a death slide, aerial runway, swings and climbing frames. The project could be undertaken in three phases or all in one go, depending on the relative costs. Mr Ward told concillors in his experience a first-rate play facility could bring parents and their children into a town, which would be good for local businesses. Chair of the properties committee Cllr Christine Marsh said: ?This is a low income area. It would be very good for the youngsters to have somewhere they can go out and play.? Mr Ward is due to return to the parks committee next month with an overall design and estimated costings for the council to consider whether to proceed with the project.
