Water play feature and pump track among public desires for Carvers rec in Ringwood
A WATER play feature and a pump track are among additions set to be made to a Ringwood recreation ground after public feedback.
The town council launched a consultation over its masterplan for Carvers rec in an effort to ensure it meets community needs
Key features of the plan include a clubhouse revamp, an outdoor reflective space, a multi-use games area (MUGA) and an ecology activity trail.
A recent meeting of the council’s recreation, leisure and open spaces committee heard the water play feature was the most requested addition.
The working party supported this and was looking into whether and where it could be installed.
A circular pump track, particularly for younger children as an alternative to the skate park, was also welcomed but as a lower priority than the water play feature.
Other desired additions – including a projector or entertainment screen, a drinking water fountain and more picnic benches – were supported but for a later date when resources allow.
However, the working party vetoed a number of other proposals, such as playhouses and a ball pit which it said would be difficult to keep clean and safe. It also pointed out there was similar such provision elsewhere locally.
Safety was also cited, as well as cost and space, for having more than one trampoline on the green.
A designated dog walking area was also turned down due to lack of space, as were vending machines as it was felt they served no clear need or purpose.
Town clerk Chris Wilkins had told a working party meeting that developer’s contributions – from a strategic housing site off Hightown Road – could be used to fund the plans.
The town council has been forming the masterplan to create a vision for the recreation ground which considers “diverse human and natural influences”.
It also wants to improve accessibility between the site and the town centre.
Much of the recreation ground’s perimeter could also host an ecology activity trail for a range of uses including dog walking nature exploration and fitness exercise.
This could feature insect hotels and bird boxes, tree planting, wildflower, and native hedgerows, as well as outdoor gym equipment and a child-friendly trim trail.
