New sensory equipment on city centre footpath
(Date of issue: Tuesday, 6 December 2011)
Five new pieces of sound sensory equipment have been installed
adjacent to a playtrail linking the play area in Bitts Park and the
Skate Park near Devonshire Walk car park.
The new footpath allows children and families to walk between
the two sites safely, without having to walk on the highway.
Fabricated from tubular metal and timber, the latest equipment
includes a swan with musical wings, xylophone and other interactive
pieces fixed to sandstone boulders. They were designed and
manufactured by local artist Ben Gates, from Left Foot
Productions.
The new equipment has been installed alongside three existing
play ‘features’, installed earlier this year. They are: Modular
climbing blocks; a giant swing with birds nest; and two large
mosaic chairs and ‘TV’ designed/produced by - by artist Amanda Wray
of White-Wray Ltd
Work started on the first phase of the Carlisle City Council
scheme in late February and was completed in mid-April. The scheme
cost £88,000, funded by a £71,921 BIG Lottery funding grant,
£11,300 from Carlisle City Council plus contributions from other
partners. It is aimed at children and young people aged between 5
and 19 years old and is accessible to all.
The further enhancements to the scheme - sensory equipment aimed
at children and young people have been funded by from Cumbria
County Council’s Aiming High fund.
Carlisle City Council developed the bid for the play trail in
consultation with partners. Children and young people identified
the need for a safe play route between Bitts Park and the Skate
Park and officers from the County Council and voluntary sector were
also involved. The partnership has developed and now oversees play
opportunities throughout the city.
The works are project managed by Carlisle City Council, with the
path constructed, using locally sourced materials, by local company
Cubby Construction Ltd.