A vibrant new play area, shaped by community input, has officially opened at Brunswood Park in Spondon, offering exciting adventures for Derby’s youngest residents.
The facility, celebrated with a special open day on Saturday, features a dynamic mix of equipment—including a climbing frame, slide, roundabout, swings, and Derby’s self-proclaimed "fastest zip wire."
Derby City Council, which spearheaded the project, expressed gratitude to locals who contributed ideas to create the space. "This wonderful new play area reflects the vision of the community," a council spokesperson said. "We’re thrilled to see it come to life for families to enjoy."
The addition reinforces the park as a key destination for outdoor fun, combining classic play equipment with adrenaline-pumping thrills. With its resident-driven design, the space promises to be a beloved hub for Spondon’s children and families.
Brunswood Park’s
Community-funded project opens with celebration event, offering thrill-seeking adventures for local families
Grand Opening Highlights
New attractions: The play area, designed with resident input, boasts a climbing frame, slide, roundabout, swings, and the proclaimed "fastest zip wire in Derby"12.
Community effort: Funded by a £72,000 developer contribution (from housing built on the former Technograv factory site) and an additional £20,000 raised by Friends of Spondon Parks1.
Celebration event: Held on May 31, 2025, the opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bird box-making for families, and goody bags for the first 20 children2.
Why It Stands Out
Adrenaline appeal: The zip wire is a standout feature, offering high-speed thrills uncommon in local playgrounds, alongside traditional equipment like sand pits and trim trails found in other Derby parks10.
Inclusive design: While not explicitly accessible, the project aligns with Derby’s trend of upgrading play areas (e.g., Alvaston Park’s zip wire and Arboretum’s climbing boulder)10.
Local pride: Councillors highlighted the park as a "wonderful space" shaped by community ideas, reinforcing Derby’s commitment to revitalizing green spaces1.
Broader Context
Derby’s play area boom: Part of a citywide push to refurbish over 50 playgrounds, with recent upgrades including BMX parks, water play zones, and trampolines10.
Competition: While Brunswood’s zip wire claims speed supremacy, other nearby attractions like Go Ape Buxton (with a Tarzan Swing) and Eden Project’s "fastest zip wire in England" cater to older thrill-seekers67.
Visitor Tips
Best for: Families with children aged 5+ (due to the zip wire’s intensity).
Nearby amenities: Spondon lacks on-site cafés, but picnic benches and the Bulls Head pub are nearby4.
Future plans: The council invites feedback to further improve facilities10.
→ Plan your visit: Open daily at Brunswood Park, Spondon (free entry). Follow #DerbyParks for updates211.
new play area is now open daily—come test your speed on Derby’s fastest zip wire!