Impressed by a number of other visitor attractions we have designed and installed over the past ten years, Greenspan was the first choice of Charlie Waters at Finkley Down Farm in Andover, when he decided to upgrade his old outdoor play area.
Farmer Charlie had been familiar with Greenspan through our mutual involvement with the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN) and was inspired by our outdoor playgrounds at Mead Open Farm, White Post Farm, and Farleigh School.
“The objective was to produce an exciting and challenging adventure play area that could be used by children from age 3 to 10. We also wanted something unique that would also blend in with the character of our farm park. I am delighted with the result. The new structure looks amazing and certainly adds to the already fun filled family day out we offer at Finkley.”
Charlie Waters, Owner Finkley Down Farm
The Greenspan design team used some elements used on similar projects as chosen by Charlie and worked them into a completely fresh layout to create the new outdoor adventure playground at Finkley. The result is a multi-level castle shaped structure, with tall flag-topped turrets connected by a number of ladders and walkways, all safely enclosed with a combination of wooden planks, poles and rope netting. Entry and exit points are provided via a variety of climbing walls, stepped ramps with rails and ropes, or the choice of either a low-level or super high curvy slide, making this play area suitable for children of all ages.
Whilst the project was being built, staff at the farm considered many names for the new play area but kept drawing a blank until they received an email from Jane McCulloch, asking if they could name an animal, or perhaps a bench in memory of her Grandson Atticus who had sadly passed away at just four years old. Farmer Charlie responded immediately to ask the family permission to name for the new outdoor play area “Atticus’ Adventure” as a tribute to the little boy who loved to visit Finkley Down Farm.
Atticus’ mother, Emily Feduchin-Pate, was overwhelmed by the gesture:
“It is so much more than we could have ever expected, but such a wonderful legacy for a little boy who loved everything about Finkley; just a few days before he passed away, Atticus asked me if he could go to Finkley, drive the landrovers and have sausage and chips – It was such a special place to him.”
Finkley Down Farm is open 7 days a week, all year round from 10am till 6pm, with last entry to the farm being at 5pm. Visit their website for more details on their visitor attractions, facilities and special events www.finkleydownfarm.co.uk
To find out more about the National Farm Attractions Network visit www.farmattractions.net
