The pupils at Wycliffe Prep School in Stonehouse were thrilled with the official opening of their vast new adventure playground on Monday 15th October.
The ceremony was led by Mrs xxx Clark, the wife of the late Donald Clark, a Trustee and ‘father of the Old Wycliffian Society, who generously funded the new play facility. The event and reception was attended by dozens of delighted Wycliffe pupils, parents and staff.
The extensive multi combination adventure play area includes slides, fireman poles, a clatter bridge, a full activity trail, castle turrets and mushroom seats, all on the latest multi-coloured safety surface.
Mr Adrian Palmer, Headmaster of Wycliffe Prep, said: ‘this is a wonderful playground specifically for the boys and girls from four to seven years. It provides a fantastic space to have fun, learn, develop co-ordination skills and let off steam. It is one of the many opportunities at Wycliffe to enjoy school both inside and outside the classroom.’
Donald Clark, who attended Wycliffe from the age of six, went on to a successful army career and then devoted his life to the education of children. Mr Clark served Wycliffe College for 22 years as Chairman of the Old Wycliffian Society and then as president.
Through his own generosity to the OWS and its fundraising initiatives, Mr Clark found a way to express personal gratitude for his own Wycliffe education. The Donald Clark Adventure Playground is a fitting tribute to his values of friendship and confidence-building.
Mrs Clark said: ‘my husband would have been so pleased and proud to see the children have so much fun on the adventure area today.’
The unveiling of this new facility comes at a time when numbers at Wycliffe’s Lower Prep are at their highest levels in ten years.