Nene Park Trust is excited to announce that plans have now been submitted to Peterborough City Council for a newly remodelled play area in Ferry Meadows, replacing the existing play area at Lakeside (pictured right).

‘Fox Play’ forms the next stage in updating and improving the play provision at Ferry Meadows, following similar successful developments of Otter Play in 2014 and Badger Play in 2016, designed to offer natural adventurous play for all ages. In recent visitor feedback on our existing play areas, over 80% of respondents rated the play equipment at both play areas as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.

Outlined in the Nene Park Master Plan, which determines the key strategic priorities and projects for Nene Park for delivery over the next 50 years, Fox Play will provide a fully accessible play area with water features, zip lines, raised walk ways, climbing opportunities and plenty of new tree planting.  It will be the biggest of our play areas aimed at slightly older children, but accessible for all.

By using the location of the current play space, Fox Play will be well served by existing access routes and provisions such as parking, bins, existing Nene Outdoors outdoor activity centre, toilets and cafe as well as support from Park staff during core operational hours.

The initial plans for Fox Play were announced in 2019, with images and a proposed model of the play area displayed in the Visitor Centre throughout the summer. Over 300 feedback forms were received with a predominately positive response.  Ideas and comments were fed back into the initial design and amendments were made, including increasing the play offer for younger children.

Andrew MacDermott, Head of Development at Nene Park Trust said, “We know how important outdoor play is to our visitors and we are really excited to reach this milestone with Fox Play. We have worked hard to both try something new and respond to the feedback we have received. We now look forward to the project becoming a reality for all to enjoy and hope to begin construction as soon as possible.”

Nene Park Trust aims to create outdoor facilities that are loved by the local community, to encourage children and families to spend more time enjoying the outdoors and exploring nature.  Keep your eye on our website and social media channels later in the year for the latest news on the result of the planning application.

Image of Badger Play; the new play area will be in a similar design.