Play Tyne open after refurbishment!
Children from Buffer Bear nursery in Newcastle try out the new Play Tyne display
Discovery Museum's popular display for children under 7 has revealed a refreshing new look. Play Tyne, a free water-themed play area at Discovery Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne, has reopened to the public following a two-month refurbishment.
The funding for the Play Tyne redevelopment has been made possible thanks to sponsor Northumbrian Water. The company has also provided Discovery Museum with a Hydrachill water refilling station, the first of its kind in the North East, that will supply visitors with fresh, chilled mains water and a separate reusable plastic bottle if required.
Play Tyne has been uniquely designed with a water cycle theme, illustrating rain, snow and weather scenes. It includes a river that runs through the room with floating toys where children can make a splash. Aprons are available for younger customers who like to get in on the action, and there is a seating area for adults who want to avoid getting wet!
Graham Bradshaw, curator of Discovery Museum, says:
“Play Tyne is hugely popular with families who visit Discovery Museum, as the children can have great fun with the model of the River Tyne, boats and bridges.
“As we receive so many visitors, it has inevitably come in for some wear and tear so we’re really pleased to have had the chance to refresh the display.”
Play Tyne now features designs of Karl, Kelly, Jermaine, Bethany and Splash the dog, Northumbrian Water’s superheroes, known as the ‘H2O Gang’. The ‘H2O Gang’ help children to understand how precious water is for life, health and the environment.
Children from Buffer Bear nursery in Newcastle upon Tyne, winners in the recent Play Tyne art competition, tried out the water displays for the first time alongside lifesize members of the ‘H2O Gang’.
Louise Hunter, head of corporate responsibility at Northumbrian Water, says:
“Northumbrian Water is delighted to be able to support the much needed refurbishment of the Play Tyne gallery.
“It is important that children learn about the vital role of water in sustaining life and health and fantastic that Discovery Museum provides this opportunity through play. Our strong partnership with Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums has enabled employees to work with Discovery Museum to shape the gallery and develop new features and educational messages.
“We’re really excited about the Hydrachill unit, which is the first of its kind in the UK. As well as keeping active youngsters hydrated with a healthy drink, it helps them to protect the environment by using a refillable bottle.”
The H2O Gang make learning about the world of water fun, through school visits, an interactive CD-ROM, a series of comics and they also feature on Northumbrian Water’s website, www.nwl.co.uk. The gang’s arch enemies, Dr Dry, and his henchman, Drip, are evil and want to rule the world by stealing or wasting all water. It is up to the ‘H2O Gang’ to stop them!
Discovery Museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 5.00pm and Sunday 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Admission is free. For more details visit www.twmuseums.org.uk/discovery