A NEW adventure playground has been created in time for half term.

The Florence Hayes Adventure Playground in Fore Street, Edmonton, the first adventure play ground in Enfield, has taken just over a year to convert from an unused space to a playground with large sand pit, water play, a fire pit, zip line, wooden climbing frame, and a variety of swings.

A central building also houses a large play room, kitchen, toilets, showers, an office and two store rooms.

A 5m high sculpture of a horse and cat, designed by Martin Heron, will be situated alongside the existing public footpath within a newly created paved seating area.

According to the artist, the horse was inspired by Florence Hayes, who born in 1879.

She was a charity worker and teacher who was renowned in the area for her good works with working class children and animals. She died aged 76 on June 19, 1956.

The playground is aimed at 8 - 13 year-olds, and this week activities such as arts and crafts, den building, sports, gardening, music, drama and dance workshops, and painting will be on offer.

This free play facility will open at school holiday times from 10.30am till 4.30pm. At term time it will be open from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, although hours may vary in the winter.

Play manager, Samantha Ellis, said: “The playground and building will also be available for community groups, local resident groups, charities, children centres and anyone else to hire out during the day for coffee mornings, training sessions, workshops, story telling and other events. We are determined to get local people of all ages involved in this space.”