CHILDREN are today putting new play equipment to the test in an Ipswich park following a revamp to commemorate a famous shipping journey.The new play area was opened this week at Holywell's Park featuring 20 pieces based on wooden ship Discovery which sailed to North America from Ipswich in the 17th century.

CHILDREN are today putting new play equipment to the test in an Ipswich park following a revamp to commemorate a famous shipping journey.

The new play area was opened this week at Holywell's Park featuring 20 pieces based on wooden ship Discovery which sailed to North America from Ipswich in the 17th century.

The “discovery” play area includes a large two-tier galleon with climbing nets, a bird net swing, a springboard, a seesaw, a play steam engine and railway carriage, five swing seats and a spinner bowl.

There are also new picnic facilities, sheltered seating areas and better access for disabled users via Myrtle Road.

Ipswich Borough Council had feared the opening would be delayed until August 25 because of safety fears, but the park has been given the all clear for children to start enjoying the changes.

A water feature is yet to be completed.

Ipswich Borough Council leader, Liz Harsant, said: “Everybody is welcome to come down and they should because they will really enjoy it, big or small.”

This year marks the 400th anniversary since three ships sailed from Ipswich to the Virginian Coast, USA.

The play area is named after one of the three ships that completed the journey, Discovery.

Suffolk explorer Bartholomew Gosnold led the voyage which was completed in December 1607.

At a separate event yesterday, a replica of the ship arrive Ipswich Waterfront as part of a tour celebrating the 400th anniversary of the completion of the voyage.

There will also be an official play area launch with the theme of The Pirates of the Caribbean for the Friends of Holywells Park on August 25.

N What do you think of the facilities in Ipswich's parks? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk