The highly anticipated PETER RABBIT TM Adventure Playground was officially opened on Saturday 2 April 2016 at Willows Activity Farm in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in the United Kingdom.
Over £1million was invested in developing the new playground and re-theming the site, which incorporates the natural landscape and state-of-the-art interactive technology in a safe and wholesome environment.
Willows also welcomed the stars of the critically-acclaimed animated CBeebies series ‘Peter Rabbit’ including Lily Bobtail and Peter Rabbit himself, who will be meeting and greeting visitors daily.
The countryside setting surrounding Willows has been used to support outdoor climbing frames as well as slides and rope walkways at the Peter Rabbit Secret Treehouse and the Benjamin Bunny Treetop Adventure. The equipment is designed to encourage children to explore and be adventurous, just like the characters in the stories.
Other features include the Jeremy Fisher Music Pond, where children can jump on lily pads to hear musical sounds and guess the instruments, and the Mr. Bouncer Great Invention, a sensory gaming activity to help them to learn about numbers and colours in a fun and active way.
Chief Executive of Willows, Andrew Wolfe said: “We’ve always been committed to improving the quality and range of activity at Willows but this is by far the biggest and most exciting - we can now invite our visitors to enjoy a day with one of the most famous children’s characters in history.”
“This is something completely new for local families to enjoy – the first ever Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground in the world! We’re proud to be opening in the year of the 150th anniversary since the birth of Beatrix Potter, author of the original Peter Rabbit children’s books, and we’re delighted that we are able to bring them to life for the next generation,” continued Mr. Wolfe.
Thomas Merrington, Head of Product Development at Penguin Ventures said: “The Willows brand fits seamlessly with ours and we’ve worked together to create an experience true to the Peter Rabbit values. It really feels as though you are stepping into Peter Rabbit’s enchanting world!”
The playground is being built in partnership with Silvergate Media, the co-producers and global licensing agent of the CGI animated TV series ‘Peter Rabbit’, and Lappset Creative, a leading manufacturer of themed activity attractions.
Johan Granholm, Director of Lappset Creative said: “The new area is designed to engage young imaginations, championing curiosity, camaraderie and discovery – we know that parents and children alike are going to love it.”