One of the UK’s tallest and longest zip wires – called RUSH – has been unveiled at the home of children’s play, Wicksteed Park, Kettering.
Wicksteed Park was founded in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed, who invented the modern day slide and swing, as part of his vision to inspire and encourage play as part of families’ health and well-being.
The £200,000 development, which has a top speed of 40mph and is as high as a six-storey building and 310metres long, is part of the park’s bid to offer innovative, adventurous and imaginative play opportunities for the whole family.
The park has undergon
One of the UK’s tallest and longest zip wires – called RUSH – has been unveiled at the home of children’s play, Wicksteed Park, Kettering.
Wicksteed Park was founded in 1921 by Charles Wicksteed, who invented the modern day slide and swing, as part of his vision to inspire and encourage play as part of families’ health and well-being.
The £200,000 development, which has a top speed of 40mph and is as high as a six-storey building and 310metres long, is part of the park’s bid to offer innovative, adventurous and imaginative play opportunities for the whole family.
The park has undergone a major £2million lake restoration project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to further encourage people to enjoy its 147 acres of countryside, with developments such a paddling area for toddlers, a beach and a 90m pontoon.
Elsewhere in the park, bund play tunnels will be constructed out of natural materials to encourage children to crawl and explore and other new attractions include a Bah Humbug hand-made sweet shop, Waxhands hand modelling and a refurbished café.
RUSH is part of an activity tower and comprises three zip wires to allow families and friends to take the plunge together, with helmet cameras to record the descent for a souvenir video.
It also includes a Leap of Faith, allowing people to dive from a 10 metre high platform with only a support harness to break their fall and a 14metre climbing wall.
Wicksteed Park Managing Director Alasdair McNee said: “RUSH is a perfect example of the type of innovative, adventurous play and excitement we want to encourage at the park.
“Charles Wicksteed was an innovator and, although the park has rollercoasters and rides, we want to encourage children and families to use their imagination and have fun in different ways too.”
The popular visitor destination combines rollercoasters, rides and attractions with the tranquility and relaxation of an historic grade II country park and a nature reserve run by the Wildlife Trust. Coach drivers are provided with complimentary lunch and refreshments. A welcome host is also provided on request.
For further information about the park, go to www.wicksteedpark.co.uk