Welcome to 'Kenyon Small Farm', our re-vamped play area here at Kenyon Hall Farm.
Over the last 6 weeks we've braved the soggy spring conditions to refresh our outdoor play park in time for Easter. And we've made it just in time! This is a quick post to share what we've done, why we've done it, and what the little ones can expect to find on their next visit to the farm...
Over the last 6 weeks we've braved the soggy spring conditions to refresh our outdoor play park in time for Easter. And we've made it just in time! This is a quick post to share what we've done, why we've done it, and what the little ones can expect to find on their next visit to the farm...
In a previous blog post I wrote how last year's customer survey had highlighted the need for us to make improvements to our play area. It was showing it's age and was in need of some TLC. We took this feedback on board and spent the winter putting our heads together with Rob, our friendly designer / maker, to conjure a up new play area.
We were keen to build something in-keeping with the farm. In among the (deserved) criticism of the old play area, there was still some positivity around the rustic, quirky nature of it. We wanted to make sure we didn't lose this charm, just build on it. Something that fits in with our set-up as a traditional working farm, not something too big and brash. We're not in the business of competing with Alton Towers. Just a nice little area, free to enter, for kids to have some outdoor fun!
We were keen to build something in-keeping with the farm. In among the (deserved) criticism of the old play area, there was still some positivity around the rustic, quirky nature of it. We wanted to make sure we didn't lose this charm, just build on it. Something that fits in with our set-up as a traditional working farm, not something too big and brash. We're not in the business of competing with Alton Towers. Just a nice little area, free to enter, for kids to have some outdoor fun!
| The concept was to create a rustic, rambling mini farm, with plenty of unique and interesting bits and pieces for children to explore. The main 'buildings' are three wooden tee-pees: Strawberry Slide, Pumpkin Peaks and Sweetcorn Swings. Dotted around these are a host of natural items (stepping stones, a balancing log) and up-cycled farm equipment (tractor tyre sand pits, drain pipe tunnels and straw bales). Existing favourites such as the zip line, pedal tractors and antique tractor have remained in place, giving a blend of the old and new. |  We've incorporated natural play wherever possible. |
| Throughout the process we were mindful of ensuring there were things to do for children of all ages and we hope we've achieved that. Rosa, my 8 month old girl was squealing with delight when she was the first to test the swings and I watched on yesterday as even a 16 year old teenager cracked a smile on the zip line! We're also surrounding the park with a reed fence to enclose the children away from the car park and building an outdoor tea hut nearby to allow parents to grab a drink or cake whilst continuing to supervise during the summer months. Again, both of these ideas have come about from customer suggestions and so we thank you for your input into this whole project. |  Existing favourites such as our antique tractor have remained in place. |
I hope you (well, your children really!) enjoy the new play area. I want to thank not only Rob, but our own farm team - Tom, Chris, John and Jim - for helping build it in between their proper farming duties. Even my brother Simon chipped in during his weekends off to get it all finished in time. A real team effort. From all of us, we look forward to seeing you at Kenyon Small Farm very soon!