Youngsters flock to splash park at Shrewsbury quarry

The newly unveiled splash equipment at the Quarry play park was packed with families enjoying the sunshine after it was officially opened to the public.

Councillor Ioan Jones, mayor of Shrewsbury, said he was thrilled with how many children had already tried out the new play area, named Darwin's Islands of Adventure.

The council spent more than £350,000 on updating the park, including the introduction of the new splash fountains.

Councillor Jones said: "It is absolutely fantastic. It was worth every penny we spent.

"It has taken about 12 months from the initial plans to finishing and it is worth it.

"The noise of the kids enjoying themselves was brilliant, they have absolutely loved it."

The revamp of the town centre park's play area included the original equipment being completely removed and the entire layout overhauled.

A dish roundabout was installed, as well as a group swing, bridge crossing with rubber spheres, a rock spinner, both flat and cradle swings, a mission climber and the central tree house tower climber with a large curved slide.

The former paddling pool was also completely removed as part of the design to incorporate the new splash park.

Councillor Jones, who unveiled the new splash park, said the new facilities in the Quarry would help to encourage more families to visit and spend time in Shrewsbury.

He said: "Yes, we spent that money on the splash park, but people were going out of the town to other splash parks and spending money there.

"This will hopefully keep people in the town and bring more people in, who will spend money in Shrewsbury.

"It will be good for the local economy and it is a facility that will last for many years."