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The SEE Monster Garden and Pétanque Court is situated at the most southern end of the Beach Lawns, next to Royal Sands, in space once used as a miniature railway and putting green.
The area will be open to the public every day. The pétanque court contains eight playing surfaces, each known as a piste, which means that multiple games can be played at the same time. The facility is free for people to enjoy using their own equipment.
This site was selected to accommodate many of the plants from the SEE Monster installation held in the Tropicana last year. This has created the first entirely new public garden in Weston since the creation of Jill’s Garden in Grove Park 22 years ago. The garden, which contains a selection of different plants suited to the exposed coastal location, also represents a lasting legacy for SEE Monster.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “This is an exciting day for Weston-super-Mare, as it is for me – I’ve been in favour of installing a pétanque court here for many years.
“Pétanque is a sport that is growing in popularity and is accessible to most people, so I think this new attraction will be well received. Both the garden and the pétanque court will bring new uses to this special space for residents and visitors to the town.
“A lot of hard work has gone into seeing this delivered and I’d like to thank all those involved, particularly Weston-super-Mare Pétanque Club for their advice; Safety Green Ltd for constructing the pétanque court, central garden feature and watering point; and to the council’s grounds maintenance contractor, Glendale, for their hard work in transporting and re-planting the hundreds of plants and trees from SEE Monster – both here and at other sites around the town.”
Councillor Robert Payne, North Somerset Council ward member for Weston-super-Mare central, said: “This is a welcome enhancement to the local area, providing better facilities for local people, as well as visitors, and a boost to the local economy and vibrancy of the town. I hope that it will be respected and enjoyed by many future generations.”
Stephen Steer-Smith, Secretary at Weston-super-Mare Pétanque Club, said: "We welcome the addition of this purpose-built pétanque court, which is ideal for everyone from beginners through to experienced players. With a facility of this size, we are already planning local, regional and national events. This is very exciting for the club and the town.”
More information about the new space can be found on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/seemonstergarden.
Leading photo: A photo of Cllr Wendy Griggs, Chairperson of North Somerset Council, and Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member for culture and leisure, about to throw boules to officially open the SEE Monster Garden and Petanque Court in Weston-super-Mare on Monday 24 July 2023.
