The new Ninja Warrior-style play area at Calne Recreation Ground was officially opened on Sunday 5th April, drawing large crowds and a lively atmosphere throughout the morning.
Residents gathered at the Rec for the long-awaited launch event, with families, children and even a few adventurous adults taking on the obstacle course.
Calne Town Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney, who attended the opening, said the turnout showed just how popular the new facility is set to become.
He said: “I headed down to the Rec this morning for the grand opening of the new ninja park, and if the crowd was any indication, this is going to be the new go-to spot in town.
“It was great to see the Rec with so many people there. There was a solid mix of parents with coffee, kids who looked like they’d been waiting for this their whole lives, and even a few ‘brave’ adults like myself trying to make it across the course.”
The new attraction, described as the largest free public ACTI’Ninja course in the UK, features a range of obstacle-course-inspired equipment including climbing frames, balance beams, stepping posts and traverse walls.
Cllr Pearce-Kearney added that while the equipment itself proved a challenge, it was the atmosphere that stood out most.
He said: “The best part wasn’t just the equipment, which, by the way, is way tougher than it looks, but the atmosphere. Everyone was cheering each other on, and there’s a real sense of excitement about having something this active and unique right here in Calne.”
The launch event included added extras for those taking part, with equipment provider Proludic offering goodie bags, medals and ice creams to participants who completed the course.
Cllr Pearce-Kearney said: “A massive thanks to everyone at Proludic for building the course and for the extras on the day, and to everyone at Calne Town Council involved in planning the launch event.
“I overheard parents saying it’s exactly the kind of thing the community needed.”
The ninja park had already had a 'soft opening' earlier this year, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Thursday 23rd January attended by Mayor Cllr Ian Thorn and other local representatives.
Designed with community input, the free outdoor space aims to encourage active and energetic play, with different zones catering to a range of ages and abilities, alongside accessible features for families and carers.
The official opening marks the final step in bringing the project to life, as part of wider efforts to enhance public spaces and promote healthy lifestyles in Calne.
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