Bath & North Somerset Council has completed £14,000 of investment in new play equipment for younger children at Firs Field in Combe Down.
The new toddler unit looks like a black dragon pirate ship, and is part of an overall investment of more than £225,000 in play areas across Bath and North East Somerset by the Council this year.
Cllr David Dixon (Lib Dem, Oldfield), Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said: “This continued investment into our local play parks, including Firs Field, will benefit many children and families.
“Play equipment has a natural shelf-life and Bath & North East Somerset Council wants to make sure that our areas are safe as well as fun.
“We welcome feedback on the new facilities being provided and look forward to a new generation of children having fun in our play areas.”
Firs Field was used as a compound during the Stone Mines Stabilisation Project and, following the completion of the backfilling of the mines, it has now been restored back to community green space.
Cllr Dixon added: “The return of Firs Field to recreational use is important to the Combe Down community. It has now been restored to the correct growing conditions to encourage species-rich grassland and wildflowers.
“The local community and the Friends of Firs Field have worked with the Council’s Parks team to ensure this challenging project has been completed to the highest standards.
“Now people can look forward to enjoying their new environment and the improved play area over coming years.”
The Council is also planning to submit an application to Fields in Trust for Firs Field to be designated a Centenary Field, which would protect it as a green space with a special deed of dedication.
The Council’s centenary commemorative events and activities group, Council ward members and the Friends of Firs Field are all supporting the application. More local public consultation is planned in the next few weeks.
Combe Down has a particular affiliation to the First World War as the area was the home of the late Harry Patch who died aged 111 in 2009, and Firs Field already has a War Memorial.
