WORK in Dawlish is well underway on what is anticipated to become one of the best playgrounds in Devon.

Contractors moved on site to the Manor Gardens early last month and the shape of the equipment for the £320,000 scheme is already clearly visible.

Reporting to Dawlish Town Council’s full council meeting, Cllr Linda Petherick, who has been the driving force behind the park, said the new trail which will lead to the Manor Gardens site along the Lawn will be called the Dawlish Mystery Trail.

Cllr Petherick also announced that it had been donated a free hopscotch and this is planned to be positioned at the Piazza.

Meanwhile, Teignbridge Council’s executive committee last week rubber-stamped providing £142,000 funding through money paid by developers towards the project.

Dawlish Town Council is already providing up to £200,000 to meet the final cost of the scheme.

The go-ahead was given in the summer and contractors been laying the groundwork and now have the basis for some of the play equipment in place.

The Manor Gardens play park has been due for an upgrade for many years.

Once finished, the park is expected to be a ‘Gold’ standard, inclusive play area, one of the best in Devon.

A trail will lead children and families up through the town from the Lawn and the Knowle up to Manor Gardens.

A report to Teignbridge Council said: ‘The trail and park could have a transformational impact for Dawlish in the same way that The Den play area had in Teignmouth, with wider economic benefits to the town and businesses in the town centre.

‘The proposal represents a very positive opportunity to enhance play provision for all in Dawlish.’

The design for the park was drawn up following extensive consultation with local groups and Oakwood College in Dawlish, a specialist college for students with learning difficulties and disabilities, which provided input to make the park accessible.

Once complete early next year, the park and trail will provide improved facilities for all users, with paths and equipment designed to be wheelchair-friendly and other features for the visually impaired.

The trail includes interactive sensory ‘play totems’ and a climbing trail.

Information boards will mark the route towards the Manor, as well as grasshopper and spider climbing features.

It has been specifically created to be inclusive and fully accessible for children with disabilities and for able-bodied and disabled children and young people to use together.

At the bowling green, there will be two wooden animals on the grass to play on.

On reaching the Knowle, there will be stepping stones and tree fairies continuing to another wooden animal.

The play park will be divided into two sections: a coastal theme and a nature theme.

The coastal theme, for up to 14-year-olds will feature a fishing boat and hut, Black Swan rockers and an interactive tunnel.

There will be an inclusive trampoline and a play boat with a ramp for wheelchair users along with a roundabout which is also accessible.

Picnic benches, swings and a carousel will be included along with a 14 unit adventure play area.