The Friends of Saumarez Park Playground are delighted to announce the appointment of NorthGates Guernsey Limited as Project Managers as the first step toward constructing a new playground at Saumarez park.
Zef Eisenberg, Chairman of the Friends of Saumarez Park Playground LBG, said “I am thrilled that NorthGates have accepted the opportunity to step up to the challenge to help deliver what will be one of the most exciting play experiences in Guernsey. NorthGates is a well respected firm whose experience and knowhow will prove invaluable as the project progresses”
Jason Powers, Director at NorthGates said “the fundraising team have done a great job to take the idea this far and enable the equipment to be ordered. What struck me about this project was the extent to which the local community have offered their support to ensure that the Saumarez Park playground continues to be an exciting facility for all children to benefit from. I feel strongly that this should continue along with the opportunity for the Guernsey Construction Industry to be engaged in providing this Community facility. It was an easy decision to make when I was asked if NorthGates would assist and given that the project will benefit the entire community, we are happy to provide our services free of charge.”
The installation of the playground itself will start with the junior (age) section and incorporates a fantastic centrepiece 29 metre long pirate ship which is packed full of play value. The pirate ship will be built using durable natural materials such as Robinia wood (a durable timber) whilst elsewhere locally sourced granite boulders will help to form part of a climbing area. The Ship itself will take around 6 weeks to install. Before this there is a lot of work that must be done, including the removal of the old equipment, ground works, new fencing, drainage, preparation of foundations and landscaping which will start later this month.
As we continue to receive more funds we can then move onto the next phases 2 & 3 for toddlers and teens. There are also plans to incorporate adult gym equipment around the park, converting the old pond into a new model boating lake and a smaller skate/scooter park for the younger users. Once it is all built Guernsey will truly have a playground for the whole family!