Huge new play park opens in Worthing – including large zones for all ages including teens

Located off Celandine Road in West Durrington, the ribbon-cutting for the new park was held on March 30 when council leader Sophie Cox officially cut the ribbon signalling the launch of the play park and multi-use games area (MUGA).

The play area forms part of the wider West Durrington development that is built jointly by Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry. To celebrate the opening, residents and children living in the new community were invited to explore the new play equipment before enjoying a complimentary ice cream courtesy of Persimmon.

Cllr Cox said: “It is wonderful to open the park today and to see so many families here ready to enjoy the play spaces. Thank you to Persimmon Homes for organising this opening and bringing the community together like this.

“We want to encourage children to get outside in the fresh air and play, and with these facilities now open they will have even more opportunity to do so.”

Dan Castle, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “Opening a play park is always a pivotal moment in a development. It provides a focal point for the new residents and offers an important new amenity for the existing community.

“We are delighted to have opened this park at the start of the school holidays and are confident this will provide hours of free, outdoors entertainment for families over the spring and summer.”

Plans for the park were first revealed in 2023, with residents and local groups asked to help design it.

Play provider Eibe Play Ltd was successfully chosen to design the inclusive play area to appeal to both young children and teenagers, with designated zones and disability-friendly equipment. There is a carousel and seesaw suitable for wheelchair users and safety flooring featuring colours that have been shown to be calming for people with autism.

There is also a ground level trampoline, swings and climbing units, plus an innovative parkour play area with challenging climbing obstacles that has been designed to appeal to teenagers.

The park also features a multi-use games area and ball court that has been designed by Eibe to appeal to children who commonly feel excluded by these facilities.