CHILDREN have been making the most of the newly-opened River Park play area in Salisbury.

The “vibrant and accessible” space found at Ashley Road Open Space was designed with direct input from schoolchildren, Wiltshire Council said.

The new play area, which opened yesterday (August 21) features engravings of artwork by Sarum St. Paul’s schoolchildren on the equipment and has a vibrant colour palette, created by artist Zac Newham in collaboration with students from South Wilts Grammar School, that reflects the colours within the river itself.

The central climbing structure is filled with educational information and activities reflecting the local ecology.

The play park was designed by Green Play Project and developed in consultation with Disability Interest Group of Salisbury (DIGS) to ensure inclusivity, with features like flat surfacing, wheelchair access, and equipment specifically designed for children of all abilities.

Representatives from Salisbury City Council, the Environment Agency, and Kier gathered at the new play park yesterday to mark its opening.

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The play area saw input from local schoolchildren Picture: Wiltshire Council

This new play area is a key feature of the broader Salisbury River Park project, which is transforming central Salisbury to reduce flood risk, enhance biodiversity, and improve community amenity.

The Salisbury River Park project is a collaboration between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, and is constructed by Kier.

Councillor Sam Charleston, leader of Salisbury City Council and councillor for Salisbury St Paul’s Ward, said: “This play area is a key feature within the new River Park, helping to shape a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

“The children’s artwork has transformed this into a truly unique space, adding colour, creativity, and character that will be a real benefit to our community. We’re thrilled that it’s now ready for families to enjoy.

Andy Wallis, the Environment Agency’s Project Lead, said: “The Salisbury River Park project has been a great demonstration of the added benefits, such as improved amenities in Ashley Road and Fisherton Recreation Ground, that can be provided for the local community as part of a large engineering scheme.

“It has been a privilege working collaboratively with the local schools and community groups to input to the design of the play park to create a lasting benefit for future generations.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We are delighted to see this new play area open, bringing fun to families and children in Salisbury.

Art in the play area Picture: Wiltshire Council

“It marks an exciting milestone in the journey towards the full opening of the transformational Salisbury River Park, which will soon offer even more for our community to enjoy.

Anya Hallett of Green Play Project, said: “We have been delighted to work for the Environment Agency to design and build the new playground at Ashley Road.

“Celebrating Salisbury’s unique ecology, the bold blue path flows though the site, taking inspiration from the natural formation of a river, with the areas of sedimentation deposition along the inner curves and erosion along the outer edge of curves.

“The shape allows for a gradual revealing of views and discovery of play interventions, responding to them as it meanders around, creating different activity zones.

“The designs of the bespoke play elements are inspired by local wildlife and informed by consultations with the Environmental Agency, local school children and disability groups, to ensure the end result works for the unique site and children of all ages and abilities.”

This exciting new facility is ready for public use.

Visitors are advised that fencing work around the park and the dismantling of the old play park facilities will continue over the coming weeks.