Coopers Meadow Play Area finally open

A large crowd mainly comprising children and parents attended the formal opening of the new Coopers Meadow Play Area when it finally opened on Friday (2 November).  Mayor Lisa Farrell wielded a large pair of gold plated scissors to cut the red ribbon and declare that the play park was open for all the young children to use.

The play area had been a long time in its planning and eventual construction but the £50,000 necessary funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) meant that the cost wasn’t borne by Marlborough’s residents.

“I’m just so proud, it’s been done for the right reasons and funded properly in a way that didn’t cost the rate payers.  I love it.” said Mayor Lisa.

“It’s somewhere for the young ones, the rec [on Salisbury Rd] is there for the older kids but the little ones needed somewhere central to play and this is perfect.”….. “It’s a great place for young families to meet and socialise, it’s close to the school [Marlborough St Mary’s], close to the town, and it’s safe” she added, pointing to the building where the new Police station will be sited.

“It’s also a combined social area and will open up Cooper’s Meadow as part of the Town”.  she enthused, as the area – which for many years was relatively unused is now being given plenty of attention with park benches overlooking the Kennet (one recently provided by Marlborough Lions), the grass area now cut short for ease of use and the meadow area where sheep will graze during the Summer months has turned this into a focal point for the town.

“I would like to see a picnic area here as well” added Mayor Lisa, pointing to an area to the side of the play area, “where young families can come and socialise whilst their children can play safely.”

Town Councillor Mark Cooper assisted Mayor Lisa with the actual opening and as chair of the Amenities & Open Spaces committee of the Council the development of the area comes under his remit.  His parents, Maurice and Rosemary Cooper were also there, and as Maurice pointed out the spot where Mark was standing when the tape was cut was the same place where four generations of the Cooper family would also have stood over the years.