When it came to choosing the equipment for the play area, who better to assist the Town Council than the school council and a keen local resident? It was important to get input from those who will be using the area, to ensure it was suitable for all. The school council helped find items that are accessible to all children and create a more Inclusive Play Area. This included a Wheelchair accessible roundabout, Bongo Drums and Light Stimulation play panels, Play Train with carriage, Inclusive Springer and the bespoke Sunken Pirate Ship.
When deciding on a name for the Sunken Pirate Ship the students wanted to pay tribute to HMS Hood and the crew and chose to name the ship after this famous battlecruiser.
Back in 1939 the school adopted HMS Hood of the Royal Navy. Students had knitted and sent ‘comforts’, books and letters to individual sailors of the crew, of over two thousand men, and also composed a prayer for the ship. Great was the sadness and sorrow of the children and staff when HMS Hood was sunk by a direct hit on the 24th May 1941 with the loss of all but three of the crew.
Applegarth Play Area is now open for all to enjoy and it is hoped that children, both local and those visiting Northallerton, will enjoy the new features for many years to come.
Works included:
- Sunken Pirate Ship featuring walk the plank, stainless steel slide, fireman’s pole, step and net access points, weather themed play panels and port holes.
- Play Train with carriage, perfect for roleplay activities.
- Inclusive Wheelchair Accessible Roundabout
- Inclusive Springer
- Inclusive Sensory Play Panels
- Wetpour surfacing linked to tarmac path to allow for access in all weathers
