Back to NewsThe Barn, a brand new indoor activity centre and café at Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens, Dorchester, is officially open.
Kingston Maurward College Principal, Luke Rake, says “The Barn is a fantastic new addition to the Animal Park & Gardens at Kingston Maurward. From a fairly decrepit polytunnel, alongside no undercover seating or play space, this new facility transforms the park as a destination and also allows us to teach primary school groups undercover and provide an enhanced café experience for all our visitors.”
The Barn boasts environmentally friendly features such as low energy lighting, rainwater harvesting and sustainably sourced construction materials. As well as a café, it contains a wooden play zone with tactile and sensory elements. Every aspect of play is designed to develop motor skills, problem solving and social skills, particularly for children from pre-school age up to key stage 1. Adjacent to the play zone is a seating area can be quickly converted to indoor classroom space for visiting school groups.
Tom Reynolds, Centre Manager at the Animal Park & Gardens, says: “School visits take place all year round, but are currently particularly active in the autumn and late spring. The introduction of this new facility will enable the College to guarantee a sheltered education base, whatever the weather. Local primary schools are really excited to hear that we have this new resource, which highlights the demand for a covered area in this kind of learning environment.”
“It has been a pleasure working with the team in delivering their new facility. We do hope staff and visitors will enjoy The Barn.” Mike Pinney, Contracting Director.