Plans are about to be submitted by Dragonfly Leisure for the redevelopment of the Somer Valley Adventure Play Park at Gullock Tyning.

The Town Council approved a grant application in December 2021 for a comprehensive community consultation to find out exactly what local people wanted to see including in a rejuvenated community space.

The research highlighted that the leisure centre in Midsomer Norton and the open space surrounding it is known locally as a hub for leisure and recreation, supporting the case for both the reinstatement of play equipment and the creation of a community space. 66% of respondents to the online survey indicated that they had used the play equipment there.

There are no other play areas with community open spaces in Midsomer Town Centre that local people can access on foot. Access to toilets and parking facilities (currently available at the leisure centre) were also deemed important. Something that many of the other small play parks in the area (within 5 miles) do not offer.

Plans being submitted, which have the support of the Town Council include changing the derelict toilet block to a drive-though coffee bar and the creation of a Miniature Golf Course outside the leisure centre.

Dragonfly Leisure's master plan also includes replacing the old, condemned outdoor play equipment at the Play Park and creating an open community green space to include sustainable agriculture where local people can harvest their own food for free! The planting of fruiting trees and shrubs, (Apple, Plum, Pear, Cherry, Blackcurrant, Redcurrant, Gooseberry, Strawberry etc), as well as native trees such as Crab Apple, Silver Birch and Oak trees, will not only create a space for the local community to be at one with nature but help reduce/offset carbon emissions of the project.

The Town Council resolved this year to donate a concrete Table Tennis Table to be installed in the new play area which will further increase the options for people wishing to play and socialise in the area.

Midsomer Norton is being transformed into a destination town and, in combination with amazing new developments like the Town Park, hopefully this will be another fantastic attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Cllr Gordon Mackay, Deputy Mayor Midsomer Norton Town Council. Thoughts and views are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Council.