Refurbished playground unveiled at Hatfield's Millwards Park

Deputy Hatfield Town Mayor Cllr Mick Wise officially opened the play equipment earlier this month, as part of a £70,000 investment project into the southern section of Millwards Park.

Children enjoying the new play equipment (Image: Hatfield Town Council)

On the day, the 60 pupils got to enjoy a performance from special guest the Wild Man of the Woods, who taught them about nature, botany, history and folklore through a mix of song and storytelling.

The play park, which was first installed in the 1970s, includes a new multi-play unit with two slides, climbing nets, a mini climbing wall and interactive play panels.

The Butterfly Avenue wildlife area (Image: Hatfield Town Council)

Hatfield Town Council leader Cllr Larry Crofton said: "Play is for everyone, and that's why the new play park includes inclusive equipment, in particular a wheelchair accessible roundabout and a cradle swing.

"We have also upgraded the path, to ensure the park is accessible, and introduced sensory elements which will appeal to children of all abilities."

The opening of the new Millwards Park play area (Image: Hatfield Town Council)

As part of their new parks and open spaces strategy, Hatfield Town Council is also aiming to increase biodiversity and ensure developments use as many sustainable elements as possible.

The council worked with eco-friendly park equipment supplier Caloo, and many materials on the new multi-play unit are made from recycled paper and low carbon aluminium - which can be recovered and recycled again once the play equipment reaches the end of its life.

Children enjoying the new play equipment (Image: Hatfield Town Council)

Mayor Cllr Shirley Asare helped children explore the areas of the playground designed to attract wildlife - 'Bee Street' and 'Butterfly Avenue'.

She said: "Play takes many forms and it's important that we all work together to ensure there are good quality and accessible spaces for children to play and explore nature."

Mayor Shirley Asare helped with the planting (Image: Hatfield Town Council)

Anthony Henn from Garden on a Roll provided a planting session for the pupils.

Civic manager Jane Anderson thanked Anthony and said: "His advice on landscaping and plant, flower and seed donations have been invaluable."

She also thanked ASDA in Hatfield, B&Q in Welwyn Garden City and Aylett Nursery in St Albans for their donations to the project.

Children playing on the new equipment (Image: Hatfield Town Council)

Children enjoying the new play area (Image: Hatfield Town Council)
Mayor Shirley Asare helping children with the planting (Image: Hatfield Town Council)