A CELEBRATION of the historic Battle of Evesham will take pride of place in a town park as part of a major six-figure investment in a new play area at the St Richards open spare off Fairfield Road.
The new play area, inspired by the Battle of Evesham, is being installed in the town and will see Wychavon District Council invest more than £122,000 in creating a new inspirational space for young people.
Council chiefs have revealed the new area will include an accessible tower complete with dungeon, rope stair, sensory shield wall and three lions shield, in recognition of the famous Battle of Evesham that took place in 1265.
There will also be a story throne, climbing space, a mound slide, various swings, wobbly bridge, moat and a 30-metre zip line. Visitors can also try out the log see-saw or explore the wildflower meadow complete with adventure trail including traversing ropes and stilts.
It’s the latest bid to mark the bloody battle fought on August 4, 1265 between Prince Edward and Simon de Montfort.
More than 4,000 soldiers were killed on Evesham’s streets and in the surrounding countryside during a conflict over the power of the king and the way he exercised it.
Thousands of visitors pack into Evesham each August for the annual celebration of the conflict sees events on both Crown and Corporation Meadow to take visitors back some 758 years with re-enactments groups from all over the country offering various demonstrations of medieval living.
Medieval festivals and camps offer demonstrations of cookery, weapons and medicine, plus the main battle re-enactment with hundreds fighting ‘to the death’ on both days.
The Battle of Evesham Grand Parade, with mounted knights in full armor and a mass gathering of medieval characters also winds its way through the town.
Council chiefs have pledged the design will to cater for children of all abilities and includes a wheelchair accessible trampoline and roundabout as well as lots of sensory planting throughout the site.
Coun Emma Stokes, executive board member for Resident and Customer Service on Wychavon District Council, said: “I am delighted to see work start on this fantastic new play area which will further enhance the existing space.
“I am particularly pleased the design has so many accessible and sensory features, making it a truly inclusive space for children to come and play.
“It’s yet another example of how we are continuing to invest in our award-winning parks and open spaces, which we know our residents love and value.”
Natural playground design and build specialists Earth Wrights are carrying out the work, which it is hoped will be completed by early next year.
The Friends of St Richards Open Space have been supporting the project by providing feedback for the design brief and helping to raise funds.
Visitors will still be able to use St Richards Open Space while work is taking place, but some parts may be closed off or paths diverted during construction.
