Super-park at the Great Field, Poundbury opens to the public

The super-park in Poundbury, Dorchester, which has been hotly anticipated, was first used by Freya Curry and her mother, Grainne Barry after they were walking by and saw the barriers being removed on Tuesday, May 3.

The park, which is built across the Great Field and covers 2,050 square metres, has 15ft high castellated towers, suspended bridges and walkways, and an enormous medieval buttercross playhouse.

Read more: Pictures reveal work under way on new Poundbury playground

It also boasts tubular slides, Queen swings, nest swings, a climbing wall, horizontal bars and balancing beams, and will also have Parkour facilities.

Ms Barry said: “The barriers were being taken down as we were walking past, and the builders let us in. Freya absolutely loved the park, especially the water pump.

The new playground in Poundbury has been approved by 18-month-old Freya Curry

“She ran straight in there and got on the slide. She just kept saying ‘nice park!’

“The park is great, it’s absolutely stunning. Great play equipment for toddlers and small children, which Freya loved.

“The climbing frames are incredible. Lots of people were stopping to chat and it really felt like the community were really looking forward to it opening. I’m sure it will be great for the children to make friends as well as parents.

“Especially, as like many other children, Freya was born in lockdown and getting to play groups to meet other parents and children has been difficult, but parks like this are a great way to bring the community together.”

The new playground in Poundbury has been approved by 18-month-old Freya Curry. Picture: Grainne Barry

The planning for the play area dates back to November 2017 when a public consultation exercise was held. Around 300 people wrote to the local planning authority to back the construction of the palatial playground that would be suitable for Prince Charles’ three grandchildren including heir to the throne, Prince George - with only 20 objecting.

Read more: Poundbury 'super park' approved

The park has been designed to blend in with the pristine regal architecture which surrounds it – timber structures are inspired by iconic local buildings and include the Whistling Witch and Brownsword Hall.

The new playground in Poundbury has been approved by 18-month-old Freya Curry. Picture: Grainne Barry

The plan for the park also includes a 1.2 metre hedge surrounding the play area, together with the planting of some 54 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 5,980 grasses.