We are really excited to be able to advise that following our consultation events held last year and successful liaison with community partners, the redevelopment of Castle Batch Play Area is due to start Monday 9th January 2023. During the redevelopment, the play area will be shut and barriers will be erected on all sides as it will be a working site. Deliveries may cause minor disruptions to the car park in the first week and at other times during the construction period, which we have advise the Children’s Centre management of as well as North Somerset Council. Our contracted teams will aim to keep this to a minimum to avoid any inconvenience in the area as much as we can.
Unfortunately, at this time there will be no play allowed. Play equipment is being replaced and upgraded so this makes access within the fenced barrier perimeter of the current play area strictly prohibited. The rest of the open space at Castle Batch will still be accessible for your enjoyment.
We aim to undertake the works as quickly as we can to minimise disruption and envisage this exciting new play space to be back open in the Spring following completion of works. We would like to thank you for your cooperation and patience during this time.
If you would like to discuss our plans or have any concerns, please contact us via email: development@wsm-tc.gov.uk
View the plan Weston-Super-Mare Town Council – Accessible SEN Play Area Castle Batch
More information
Weston town council has held a consultation day at Castle Batch Park in Worle to understand the need for a SEN play area. Castle Batch has been at the top of our play area refurbishment programme. As we looked at the area it became obvious due to its parking situation it would be a fantastic place for a SEN Park. The next step was to engage with the local community to understand the need. We have been blown away not only by the response but by the passion of people who don’t have access to the right kind of play equipment for their children’s learning and enjoyment needs.
The closest SEN park in Kingstone Seymour is 13 miles away, which is a 25-minute car journey.
Some of the comments we have had from the survey:
- My kids love coming to this park but definitely need more things here, will be very welcomed by our community.
- This would make a huge difference to local children. At present the only accessible park is a long drive away which isn’t always practical. It is important for all children to have exercise in a fun way but children with additional needs, some of can’t manage physically or emotionally to play team games such as football or tennis have few safe fun places to help them to improve their mobility and self confidence.
- We miss the equipment that has been broken and disappeared. We want a playground that is usable for all children.
- As a teacher of SEND children in the local area I think this would be a massively valuable resource. Currently we travel to Kingston Seymour for the children to experience play facilities safely and obviously this takes a large amount of preparation so we go very rarely. A local resource area we could use frequently, and walk to, would be of great importance and hugely beneficial to our children.
- Having Sen and regular equipment alongside each other is great especially for mixed ability families. Anything wheelchair accessible is really appreciated particularly for older children who cannot easily be lifted. Thank you so much for investigating some inclusive options.
- I attend an additional needs park past Yatton. It is hard for me to get to as a bit far to travel but my daughter loves it and so do I as I can relax without being judged by people.
- My son likes spend time outdoor, SEN play area is very good idea.
- This would be so beneficial for my wheelchair bound daughter we never get to go to the park and use the equipment it would be lovely to have this opportunity so she can be involved in a normal part of child play
- We really really need this in our community.