CELEBRATIONS AS NORTH SEATON COLLIERY PLAY AREA OFFICIALLY OPENS
Families gathered in the sunshine to celebrate the official opening of the newly refurbished North Seaton Colliery Play Area, marking the start of the school summer holidays in the best possible way.
The play area has been fully refurbished by leading playground specialists Kompan, giving local children a fantastic new space to play, explore and make memories for years to come. The official ribbon was cut by Civic Head Cllr Caroline Ball, to cheers from everyone gathered.
One of the highlights of the day was the wildflower seed bombing, with families scattering wild poppy seed bombs in an area specially prepared in advance by Neighbourhood Services Officer, Ryann Appleby. The children then enjoyed watering them in. Young gardeners are invited to come back over the coming months to check on their handiwork as the flowers grow, with the promise of a full splendour of poppies next summer. Every young person also took home extra wildflower seeds to plant, courtesy of the Town Council, along with goody bags kindly provided by Kompan.
No celebration is complete without ice cream, and Tommy's Ices went down a treat. The much-loved ice cream van has served the community for many years, and there was extra delight when Tommy's son Stephen came along to join the fun. Alan, Heather and Kelly from North Seaton Colliery Community Centre made sure everyone was welcomed with cake, tea and coffee, while Fabulous Faces by Ashley provided some much admired face painting.
With so many families attending at the start of the school holidays, it was also a great chance for the Town Council to make sure everyone is aware of the free swim sessions it is supporting this summer, and the packed lunches at Hirst Park, funded by the Council and provided by Full Circle Food Project.
Civic Head Cllr Caroline Ball said: "It was wonderful to see so many children and families enjoying the new play area. This is exactly what our parks should be – full of laughter, play and community spirit. My thanks go to Kompan, Tommy's Ices, Ashley, the North Seaton Community Centre volunteers and everyone who came along to make the day so special. I can't wait to come back next summer and see the poppies in bloom."
Everyone went home having started the school holidays with a lot of fun – the children looking forward to six weeks of adventures, and the parents already thinking about how to fill them!
North Seaton Colliery Play Area Opening 2026
