It's starting to feel like autumn, but the wildflower meadow is still a splash of summer colour.

You won't see it from the road, so take a walk through the woodland gate (and maybe sit with a flask on the picnic benches) and soak up the summer for a few more weeks...

BOO!!!!!!
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
we have plans afoot for a Halloween Celebration in the Play Park. Keep your eyes open for more information.

Playpark in bloom

A little later than we would have liked, but the pictoral meadow seed mix is a real show at the park. Go and have a look!

The theory works!!

Although we've had problems with the canines, we are pleased to announce that the cat poo myth is being proved wrong!!

Mia's design research was extensive and she has proved that providing a sandpit is over a certain square meterage, cats would not cause us a problem. We are now entering the fourth month of the sandpit and nothing to report....

This part of the play park has been really popular and we hope you agree that the play value of sand far outweighs any maintenance issues.

Please remember!

We found evidence of irresponsible dog ownership at the park last night (and that really stinks if you get it on your shoes). No dogs on the play park please!

If you build it, they will come....

The play park was buzzing again today! Families from Ixworth and Elmswell had travelled especially to use the facilities. There were plenty of Walsham kids and families too. The picnic area is a lovely place to meet friends, rest with a flask of tea and watch the entertainment on the swing!





-- Post From My iPhone

The official opening!

Walsham gardens weekend officially closed an hour ago and Walsham play park had more visitors in those two days than the site must have seen in the last two years!!

The swing was a big hit with the kids.......

and the babies!! We're so glad that the pieces of equipment are proving to be versatile and accessible to all age groups.

Lots more photos of the opening weekend will be posted soon.

Keep watching!!

Remember - no bikes on the play park - please keep them at the Skateboard end so the grass can grow and small children can run safely between equipment.

Also, no dogs!

Working towards the big reveal

With all the major installations complete, the contractors are now working on the finishing touches to the play park. Clarkes of Walsham stepped in again to help us out with the signs which will welcome you as you come in.

WOW!

You lot should be really proud of these finished artworks, they are fantastic!

Art in the sun!

Wow what an amazing weekend for the Urban Art workshop. We had seven young people turn out on Friday for a workshop where they sketched ideas for painting the skate ramps. On Saturday with a little help from Graham Meads to get them started, they put down the bulk of their paintings using a variety of vivid spray paints.
On Sunday some extra kids joined in to help paint the smaller ramp with a tribal design.

All in all it was a huge sucess and we now have a fantastic Art Installation created by local teens in our Skate Park.














If you get a chance you should take a trip to the playground to see the finished Art Work. It is truly stunning.

Thanks to Ollie, Kayleigh, Kenzie, Leah, Leon, Lauren and James for taking part in the workshop and leaving us with these fantastic art pieces that can be enjoyed by everyone visiting the Park. Thanks also to Graham Meads for an inspirational 3 days.

Amended dates for the Art Workshop

The dates for the workshop by Urban Artist Graham Mead are now
Friday 21st August - 10am to 3pm
Saturday 22nd August - 10am to 4.30pm
Sunday 23rd August - 10am - 4.30pm

there are still a few places left so call Mel on 07922257528 to book your place

If you go down to the woods today......

The works in the playground area are now nearing completion. The temporary fencing has been installed by the entranceway (Optimum planting for new hedging is Autumn so we are waiting until then to plant)and access from the road is now nice and pushchair/wheelchair friendly, as well as being more visible to car users.

This week Chris and his team will be starting work on the woodland area. A raised platfrom of eco decking will create access from the new woodland entrance through to the playground (with a little bit of detour for the little ones to follow.

Can you believe that opening is less than 2 weeks away!

Don't miss out!

We have filled half the Urban Art workshop places already! If you don't want to be disappointed, make sure you get your name on the list by calling Kate Daly (258088) or seeing one of the Play Council committee members. Chances like this don't come around very often!

(see post 3rd August for full details)

Must point out!

Take a look at the fourth picture in the previous post and you will see a carpet of green. These are the wild flowers and boy have they benefitted from this peculiar alternation of rain and sunny spells.

Jody's on the case

The overnight drop in temperature has helped Jody and the boys. Not that the heat slowed them down.

The safety matting is being installed under the play equipment. The grass will grow through this, so it will be practically invisible, but it'll give a soft landing for a jump off the nets.
The slide had to be installed at a crucial angle to ensure a thrilling ride! The mound will be made up to accommodate the steeper incline.
...and the picnic benches are looking great. The bark is waiting to be spread and then that's the seating area complete.

Full steam ahead!

The contractors are back on site this week after two weeks away. The small mound has been graded and seeded and the slide set.

The big slide was put together today and you can see them digging the foundations for it so it can be installed on the mound.

Fantastic opportunity for budding young artists

Walsham Play Council has secured three days of workshops by Urban Artist Graham Meads from Creative Space International.

For all you old fogeys out there, urban art is a long way away from the 'tag' days of graffiti. Take a look at these;

This is work that Graham has done with community groups and schools to brighten grey walls and create a sense of space ownership for our young people.

We have 10 places for teenagers (13-18yrs) who would be excited by the opportunity of working with an artist over three days (20th, 21st and 22nd August) to create our very own piece of Walsham art at the Skatepark.

All those who are interested should put their name forward to Kate Daly (258088) for consideration. Places are limited and subject to certain conditions.

Don't delay!

You can't rush nature

A site inspection today has confirmed we have a green tinge on the wildflower meadow! The seeds have appreciated the rain and are starting to show in patches. Let's hope another month before opening will give them time to really have an impact.

Contractors are back on site next week to start the final push towards completion......watch this space.

Showtime

Mulberry Tree Gardens open their show garden at Sandringham Show today.

Their garden is in aid of Action for Heroes (both of them are ex forces) and they even have a Red Arrows flypast!!!........clearly they are well connected....(now that's an idea. I wonder if their people could speak to our people.........)

We wish Jody and Chris good luck for the judging today!

FREE Drop in and Play Sessions!!

With the Playground out of action during the school holidays we have arranged three FREE Drop in and Play Sessions. These will take place at Walsham Primary School on;

Tuesday 4th August 10am - 12pm
Wednesday 5th August 10am - 12pm
Thursday 6th August 10am - 12pm

These events coincide with National Playday an annual event with the theme this year 'Make Time to Play'. This theme will carry across to our GRAND OPENING of the playground, which will be a fantastic family fun day out. Please see menu to the right for events planned.