FAMILIES can take a sneak peek at an exciting new children’s play area in the grounds of Himley Hall and Park as the site nears completion.

The play area remains behind safety barriers for now as installation work continues, but most of the equipment has been put in place, offering a glimpse of an immersive, natural-themed playground on the edge of the park’s leafy woodland.

Kids will be able to climb up a large wooden play tower and zoom down the spiral slide, spin around on rotating carousels, bounce on seesaws and rocking horses, and whizz down the zip line.

Picture caption: Mark Harris, estates manager at Himley Hall and Park on the new play equipment Picture caption: Mark Harris, estates manager at Himley Hall and Park on the new play equipment (Image: Dudley Council)

The play area will be a perfect place for games and getting active, making new friends, and experiencing the natural surroundings of Himley Park.

Contractors eibe play Ltd are putting the finishing touches to the site in the next six weeks, laying a loose mulch surface to give a soft landing for young explorers and natural wood chip paths to separate the equipment.

The installation of the play area is set to be completed by the end of July.

Mark Harris, estates manager at Himley Hall and Park, said: "We’ve had a lot of demand for a play area like this at Himley over the years and I think it will be a wonderful addition to the park.

"It’s fantastic to see the progress of these works. We’re well on track for families to be able to enjoy the playground during the summer holidays."

Luisa Fulci, director of digital, customer and commercial services, said: "We think the children of Dudley borough are going to love this play area!

"It’s a beautiful design that will really spark their imaginations as they clamber along the climbing frames and tip-toe across the balance beams.

"There will also be a toddler’s section laid out away from the main play area, where families can share the experience and make memories with their little ones as they play safely on some mini versions of the equipment.

"Attracting more families to Himley is one of our top priorities.

"We want parents to be able to relax and enjoy some refreshments from our coffee lounge while their children play in a fun and inclusive outdoor space.

Himley Hall and Park will remain open as normal during the construction of the play area. Visitors are welcome between 7.30am and dusk. The site’s tea and coffee lounge is open daily between 9.30am and 4pm.

While the park is mostly unaffected by the works, visitors are asked to take extra care while heavy machinery and delivery vehicles are on site. All of the car parks at Himley remain fully open.