A PETITION calling for a Wiveliscombe children’s play park to be ‘made toddler-friendly again’ is being raised for presentation to town councillors.

The online petition was started by Dee Hodkinson and attracted more than 70 signatories in a week, with a target to reach at least 100.

New equipment was installed last November by the management committee of Wiveliscombe War Memorial Recreation Ground, partly funded by Somerset Council.

But Ms Hodkinson said she wanted to see changes to the new design to make it ‘safer and more enjoyable’ for young children.

She said: “As a parent who cherished the days spent with my daughter at the old Wiveliscombe rec park, this petition resonates with me on a personal level.

“Our community needs to remember the joy it brought to our youngsters.

“The park was always teeming with laughter and joy, with delighted children scaling the wooden climbing frame, their small hands exploring the tunnel, or going down the slide they loved so much.

“Not to forget the bigger slide, which saw the bravest of the toddlers eagerly clambering up and whizzing down.

“The recent changes have made the park less toddler-friendly, and many parents and caregivers are concerned about the safety and usability of the new equipment.

“Removing this park has taken away a critical aspect of our community’s childhood experience.

“Replacing it with barely anything to climb and run around on, to making it more a kids’ park than toddler friendly.

“The park did not just offer recreational equipment, but was a safe haven for our children’s imaginations to run free and a place for them to engage with each other and grow.

“Its structure and layout was ideal for younger children, particularly toddlers.

“Parks are vital spaces for families to create lifelong memories.

“The original rec park was a beloved space where toddlers could play safely and confidently.

“We ask you to listen to the community and take action to restore the park’s toddler-friendly features.”

Ms Hodkinson said parents’ particular concerns were the new climbing frame was ‘too slippery’ and unsafe for small children, the slide was no longer enjoyable for toddlers, with many refusing to use it, and overall, the park no longer catered to the needs of younger children, limiting safe play opportunities.

Town council chairman Cllr Roger Wilson said the recreation ground was nothing to do with the authority and was owned by the parishioners of Wiveliscombe and maintained by the management committee, although councillors supported its volunteers.

A committee spokesperson said: “We are very keen to increase our committee membership and our volunteers, and would encourage anybody wishing to play a role in protecting, maintaining, and enhancing this community space to contact the committee through our Facebook page.

“The recreation ground is owned by the community and run solely by volunteers, this includes the cutting of grass, emptying of bins, litter picking, and general maintenance.

“All funds required to maintain machinery and buildings, and maintain/replace play equipment, is raised through the hard work of its small group of volunteers.”