Life's a Beach at Welshmill

It was a hot afternoon, not a cloud in the sky.  The sun shone brightly down on the children as they built castles in the sand while their parents sat in the shade of the trees looking on; a family were playing a game of cricket.  It could have been any sunny holiday destination.  But it wasn't just anywhere...it was the new improved Welshmill Park in Frome on Wednesday afternoon!

The park had re-opened and just in time, summer had finally arrived.  Five year old Henry and his little sister, Katherine, had gone past the park every day while the new equipment was being put in and were very excited to finally be able to explore it.  The huge wooden climbing tower is more challenging than it first looks, as I found out when I had to climb to the top to rescue an intrepid Katherine who decided once at the top it was a bit high up for her three year old legs to climb down again!  The tower stands in a sea of soft sand which the children love digging, building, burying themselves in.  Katherine was fascinated with the tower's pulley system with which she could haul up bowls of sand 'porridge'. 

Henry and his friends played an enthusiastic game of tag with WPA Play Rangers Will, Lys and Josh.  At home later Henry told me he loved the Play Rangers because they ran around with him!

The area behind the play ground is the most amazing bicycle pump track; we saw lots of kids of all ages bringing their bikes to have a go.  

I understand this is just phase 1 and there will be more consultation about what people would like to see in the empty areas.  The FROGS (Frome Recreation and Open Ground Supporters) group have done a fantastic job revamping the tired park and it's now a real destination place.  It is a great example of what community groups can achieve.

I think we'll be spending a lot of time at Welshmill Park over the summer holidays; our bathroom will be constantly full of sand!