Improvements to begin at Higher Brook Meadow and Phear Park play areas

Residents and visitors will soon see improvements to two play spaces, with work expected to start at Higher Brook Meadow in Sidford in mid-August and Phear Park in Exmouth in mid-September. 

East Devon District Council is moving forward with the upgrades following feedback, with the final designs focused on creating more accessible, enjoyable and welcoming spaces for children and young people. 

At Higher Brook Meadow, community feedback helped shape the final design. 

The improvements include new green perimeter fencing, better access through a new footpath, a smaller play area footprint and natural timber equipment that will sit well within the surrounding open space. 

Accessible equipment will also be included, such as a ground-level roundabout, low-level pod swing, low-level trim trail and ground-level trampoline. 

At Phear Park, last year’s public consultation showed strong support for modern equipment, improved facilities and a nature-inspired design that complements the park’s mature oak trees and natural setting. 

The contract has been awarded to Kompan, whose design includes a four-metre-high oak tree climbing unit, a large squirrel multi-unit and playful owl details, including one worked into the trampoline surfacing. 

The multi-use games area will also be fully renewed, while a new wheeled sports training area and long-awaited pump track will give newer users more space to build confidence before using the skate park. Work at Phear Park is expected to take around two months. 

The improvements are being funded by East Devon District Council, with Exmouth Town Council providing additional support through Section 106 developer contributions for the play area and fully funding the new pump track. 

Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council portfolio holder for Environment – Operations, said:

“This is a fantastic step forward for two important play spaces in East Devon. Local feedback has helped shape designs that are more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable, while fitting well within their green surroundings.” 

Councillor Marianne Rixson, East Devon District Council Assistant Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature and Climate, said:

“It is great to see these designs making the most of the green spaces around them, with natural materials, accessible equipment and facilities that support children and young people of different ages and abilities.” 

Councillor Graham Deasy, Mayor of Exmouth, said:

“We are pleased to support the improvements at Phear Park and to fully fund the new pump track using Section 106 developer contributions, which has been wanted by the community for some time. This investment will help create a better space for residents, visitors and young people to enjoy.”