McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford is celebrating the opening of its brand new ‘Garden of England’ themed children’s playground, with the help of official ‘slide testers’ from local Ashford school, the John Wallis Academy. The ‘Garden of England’ themed play area delivers the ultimate play experience.
As some of Ashford’s biggest playground enthusiasts, the year five students were the first group to run, jump, slide and climb on the new equipment to ensure it was up to standard for the centre’s little visitors. The playground, which features one of the UK’s tallest open space Robinia tree house towers and a new digitally enhanced play experience, was a huge hit with the students who smiled from ear to ear.
The day also marked the first time students from the John Wallis Academy could see their winning butterfly designs come to life on the playground, following their education and colouring session with the Kent Wildlife Trust last month. The three winning butterfly designs, chosen by John McParland, Headmaster of the John Wallis Academy add personality and local spirit to the world class adventure playground.
From the 27th to 31st May, children who visit the Centre will be able to enjoy a Butterfly Colouring Workshop in partnership with the Kent Wildlife Trust, where they can discover more about the local wildlife that inspired the Garden of England themed playground. Located next to the playground, the free workshops will run throughout the half term from 11:30am-3pm. Families can also embark on a free Butterfly Trail around the Centre, finding butterflies located in store windows for a chance to take home a free gift from the Kent Wildlife Trust.
Peter Corr, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford said: “We are thrilled to have launched our hugely anticipated children’s playground. It has been fantastic to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they explored the equipment. We hope the new playground delights our little visitors for years to come, as guests experience the family friendly offering available.
John McParland, Principal of the John Wallis Academy commented: “Our students had so much fun visiting McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford to test out the new playground. Seeing the students butterfly designs come to life was a special moment for staff and students alike, we already can’t wait to come and play again!”
Once complete in Autumn 2019, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford’s centre expansion will introduce 50 new premium and luxury brands, while creating 500 new jobs for Ashford’s local community. As well as this, new facilities including an events space, food piazza and 725 car additional car parking spaces will also be delivered.
-Ends-