New Shimmy Slide in Powburn
Added at 14:30 on 17 March 2015
FANTASTIC NEWS! The installation of the Shimmy slide in the Powburn Community Play Area is complete. It is a long-awaited addition to the play area since April 2007, when the existing play equipment was replaced.
In 2007 there was not enough funding in the budget to purchase a slide, but a space was left for installation in the future. Its installation earlier this year will undoubtedly bring joy and excitement to the community, providing a safe and enjoyable space for children to play and develop. It’s heart-warming to have such support from GrantScape (Middlemoor Wind Farm), Powburn Show Committee, The Carr-Ellison Family Charity Trust, and the Sir James Knott Trust. The project will enhance the well-being and happiness of our young ones, parents and visiting families to our area. Here’s to many happy memories and laughter-filled days ahead!
Hedgeley Parish Council received quotes from Playdale Playgrounds Ltd and Eibe Play Ltd.
It was decided to choose Playdale Playgrounds Ltd from Cumbria, as the Parish Council has had good customer care with them over the 17 years since they installed the original equipment.
With the help of Roy Dodds, we were able to reduce the cost by the removal of foundation spoil, pallets, packaging and general rubbish.
The total cost £10,773.00
Funding was sourced as follows:
GrantScape (Middlemoor Wind Farm) £6,273.00
Powburn Show Committee £2500.00
The Carr-Ellison Family Charity Trust £500.00
Sir James Knott Trust £500.00
Hedgeley Parish Council £1000.00
At the end of January 2025, the Shimmy slide was installed. It fits in with the existing equipment, with high quality timber (slow growing pine from sustainable managed forests with FSC accreditation), and steel ground fixings. The slide itself is moulded polyethylene. All parts were independently tested, and kitemarked to ensure the safety of the children. The safety surfacing is 99% recycled PVC/rubber ‘grasslock’, giving a natural look.
The slide is a welcome addition to the play area: suitable for children 5 to 12 years of age. The Play Area benefits not only children locally but also from other villages, and families visiting our area staying in holiday accommodation.
The children will experience the added thrill of sliding, it will encourage social interaction and test their climbing skills, whilst improve their balance and coordination.
Many thanks to everyone involved!
May Wilson (Chair, Hedgeley Parish Council)
[All text and photos by May Wilson, except ‘Shimmy Slide on safety ‘grasslock’ matting’ by Charlotte Wilson. Used with permission.]