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News from the Geopark

"Perfect for the little explorers of the future"

Iain Stewart, Patron of the English Riviera Geopark, BBC TV presenter and Professor of GeoCommunication at Plymouth University has given his full support for the new Paignton play area designs.  

From his office at Plymouth University Iain said "It's fantastic - a great way to share the excitement of the natural world with our kids. And it looks so much fun. As Patron of the Geopark, I'm so pleased to be associated with a project that really connects us to the environment that we live in. Perfect for the little explorers of the future. I wish all those involved the best of luck with the application."

Speaking for the Geopark, Coordinator Mel Border said "Iain has always been a strong supporter of the Geopark but when I showed him the plans he was clearly very impressed with the potential of this particular project.  The Geopark has so many amazing stories to tell from mysterious creatures drifting through tropical seas to mighty woolly mammoths roaming across frozen landscapes.  Children will always be intrigued by prehistoric worlds and the addition of a Geopark themed play area will provide an opportunity for them to explore times and places that we can never visit.  Just imagine, their adventures could take them through tropical coral reefs, scorching deserts and icy wildernesses, from looking up at the highest mountains to paddling in shallow seas. "
 
Mel said "This is not just something in a dull history book, this is our past and it has shaped how the bay looks today.  This play area would provide our children an opportunity to connect with it, understand it and ultimately help them appreciate the bay throughout their lives."

Also fully supporting the project Dominic Acland, director of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust said "Natural materials in the play area such as wood, rock and water will help connect children to the natural world and communicate a strong message about sustainable design for the future.  This makes a really strong statement about the kind of world we want to create for our young people and for future generations.  Congratulations to the team involved in creating this visionary design".

Councillor Dave Butt, Cabinet member for Community Services has given his total support to the project and said "We will be working very closely with everyone for the long term benefit of the green and Paignton at large.  This is a fantastic opportunity to offer a world class facility for our youngsters for many years to come."
 
Geopark status is awarded to places with outstanding geological, historical and cultural heritage, where local communities and visitors can experience an area's past through exciting activities and accessible interpretation.   Iain said "this design really is a perfect example of excellent geocommunication in practice"

Catch Iain in "Hot Planet" on BBC1, Wednesday 9 December, 10:45pm, in which he explores the world's leading climate scientists' vision of the planets future.

Local residents are reminded they have until Monday 14th December to provide their feedback on the project and its design. Questionnaires are available via schools in Paignton, Paignton library, Paignton Connections Office, GP surgeries and numerous local shops. Alternatively the survey can be completed online at www.torbay.gov.uk/paignton_playpark.