Celebratory event marks official opening of spectacular new play area in Victoria Park Bideford

On Thursday 18th April, the Chair of Torridge District Council, Councillor Doug Bushby, officially opened the spectacular new Victoria Park play area in Bideford. The event was organised not only to celebrate the official opening of the park, but also to acknowledge the contributions of many individuals and organisations that made the project possible. Students from St Mary's Primary School in Bideford were also present and had a great time playing in the new feature-packed play area.

The new play area replaced the much-loved 'Bide-Fort' scheme, which had reached end of life and was starting to deteriorate and show its age. Following planning approval gained in late 2023 construction by local company TK Play commenced towards the end of January 2024 just as the wettest weather the UK has seen for some years arrived. Despite this contractors and local trades worked weekends and extra shifts to ensure the park could be completed as quickly as possible and to overlap with the Easter break for school children.

The result is an extraordinary collection of play structures and special features, designed and project managed by play equipment specialists Kompan, with an eye-catching central tower scheme measuring almost 10 metres high and taller than a double decker bus. A zipwire, slides, swings, climbing walls, hidden features and interactive elements make up the other features of the park, which includes accessible play equipment such as a wheelchair friendly roundabout.

The opening address given by the chair of Torridge District Council recognised the significant contribution made by many organisations and individuals who fought hard to raise funds and shared their enthusiasm during the early design phases. Finance was provided through Torridge District Councils capital funding programme, a generous £119k grant from Bideford Bridge Trust, community fund raising led by Robin Glover, a Bideford Town Council contribution of £10k and a £150k grant from the Governments Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Doug Bushby - Chair of Torridge District Council went on to say:

"From fundraisers to contractors and our own officers involved in the design and build this has been a truly collaborative project. The end result is a spectacular park that is already being enjoyed by local children and their families. Our Community Engagement Project Officer, Adrian Avery deserves a special mention for his part in the project as does local resident Robin Glover who have both worked on this since conception and well before any funding was secured. A great example of real quality in project design and facilities, which will benefit the local community and visitors for many years to come."

April 2024