Shepton Mallet Town Council invites all residents to celebrate the grand opening of Collett Park Playground on Saturday 18th March from 10:00am to 10:30am.

This free event will include Shepton's own Fairy Godmother, free kids' refreshments, and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with local children, the Town Crier and Matt Harrison, Chair of Shepton Mallet Town Council. 

Matt Harrison said, "We're so happy to announce the opening date of the new Collett Park play park. We have worked hard for years to listen to what residents want and believe the new park addresses many of the needs of kids in the town whilst enhancing the beauty of the park. Come along and be part of the celebration to open it and have a play on the new kit!". 

 The exciting £200,000 redevelopment of the playground will offer the community a valuable resource for inclusive play, with areas for quiet play, toddlers, and juniors. Collett Park is described as the 'jewel in Shepton's crown', however after significant public consultation over the past few years it was clear that there were three key issues with the old play park; there was not enough equipment for a growing town, the previous equipment was not suitable for people with disabilities, and it was only suitable for children up to the age of 7.  

The new playground is a dynamic and inclusive play area suitable for a wider age group. It has a range of innovative and stimulating equipment for children of all ages and abilities, including an active climbing net, trampoline, rope bridge, sensory games panel, and activity tables and new paved accessible pathways will provide connections to all areas. 

 "It's exciting to be able to announce the opening of Shepton Mallet Town Council's next big investment. For over a century, the town's residents have appreciated Collett Park. But over recent years the lack of a contemporary play park for a growing town has become ever more apparent. This opening marks the opening of a facility that expands play provision for kids in Shepton.

"It is suitable for people of all abilities, of a much wider age range and the best bit; through great design, it enhances the views throughout the park so we can enjoy its Edwardian beauty. Thanks so much to everyone involved in its design and implementation. This will be appreciated by people for generations to come!" Matt Harrison said. 

 We hope all residents and families can join us in celebrating the opening of this fantastic play area, that offers an invaluable space for our community to come together and enjoy for years to come.