Children and families are now able to play on the new structure, which features heavily in the childhood memories of many young islanders.
The original spider’s web was taken down without warning in October 2023 after more than two decades of wear and tear caused sharp edges to be exposed. Soon after, local charity Guernsey Wooden Spoon launched a fundraiser to replace it with a safe alternative.
‘This has been quite a bit of time in the making, we had Storm Goretti and before that issues with the stream flooding and prior to that Storm Ciaran,’ said Wooden Spoon project manager Martyn Renouf.
‘We have had lots of delays but last Friday we had the safety inspections, it was signed off and now it’s all done.
‘It’s quite rewarding to see children playing on it. I used to bring my daughters here before the pirate ship was installed and this was the iconic play equipment for a lot of people.’
The recent addition to the park is six metres high and should have lifespan of about 15 years.
It is slightly different to the previous one, and it took more than two working weeks of excavation to install new foundations.
‘We put in about two-and-a-half tonnes of concrete for each anchor point and had to take the old ones out. It’s fairly similar to the old one, just a bit more modern and it needed a 55 degree angle on the anchor points, which is why the existing footings couldn’t accommodate the new structure,’ said Keelan Lampton of Prime Paving.
‘It’s been a really nice job to do, and a nice change from laying patios.’
The concrete is layered with 200mm of hardcore, 100mm of stone dust and 400mm of wood chip.
Guernsey Wooden Spoon thanked all its supporters partners, volunteers and donors who brought the project to life.
‘We can’t wait to see families using the frame and the memories that will be created,’ said chairwoman Karen Solway.
‘Over the years, so many people have told us their memories of playing on it, so it’s quite exciting that it’s back and it’s open.’
Further enhancements to the area are being planned, but nothing that will stop children from using it.
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