A unique new space designed and built by young people, for young people, has officially been completed at Mary Baily Playing Field, marking the culmination of a co-design project delivered by Woodland Tribe, Super Roots and Neighbourhood Toolbox, and funded by Frome Town Council. The project was celebrated with the planting of a number of new trees on the site, helping to enhance biodiversity and create a greener space for future generations.
Since January, a group of local young people aged 11 to 16 have taken part in workshops, site visits and hands-on build sessions, learning about design, construction, sustainable materials and community engagement before bringing their ideas to life in the form of a striking timber and net structure for relaxation, play and socialising.
Mayor of Frome and Open Spaces Lead, Cllr Mark Dorrington, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been seeing the young people actively involved in every stage of the process, from developing ideas and exploring materials to building the finished structure. The result is a space that reflects their creativity, hard work and commitment, and one that I hope will be enjoyed by young people in Frome for years to come.”
Lizzie from Neighbourhood Toolbox said: “This project has been about so much more than creating a structure. Throughout the process, the young people showed incredible creativity, empathy and care, thinking deeply about how different people might use the space.
Over the weeks it was wonderful to see their confidence grow and friendships develop. Watching them celebrate together and spend time on the structure they had imagined and created was a very special moment, and a real testament to what young people can achieve when they’re given the opportunity to shape something themselves.”
The project benefited from support from a wide range of local businesses, organisations and volunteers who generously shared their expertise, time and materials. Thanks go to Edward Lees for hosting a tour of Longleat Forest; Valley Sawmills for providing a tour and donating crafting materials; Frome Town Council’s Ranger Team; Whatley Quarry for supplying boulders for seating; Orchardleigh Estate for donating oak logs; and Just Grab for helping transport materials.
Thanks also go to architects Andrew Taberner and Oliver Justice, who volunteered their time to support workshops and design development. Andrew also provided 3D modelling and technical drawings to help bring the young people’s ideas to life.
Find out more about Woodland Tribe at www.woodlandtribe.org, Super Roots at www.super-roots.org and Neighbourhood Toolbox at www.neighbourhoodtoolbox.co.uk.
To find out more about Mary Baily Playing Field and Frome Town Council’s parks and green spaces, visit www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/parks-and-green-spaces.
