The Blackgang Beach Welcomes St. George’s School for Grand Opening of new attraction
Last week marked a momentous occasion at Blackgang Chine as the much-anticipated Blackgang Beach welcomed its first visitors, providing a delightful sneak peek to the eager children of St. George’s School in anticipation of the Grand Opening. The park opened its doors to 17 enthusiastic students and 7 dedicated teachers from the school for an exclusive accessibility session, showcasing the attraction in a calmer, more private setting.
Park Manager Dan White expressed his delight at witnessing the beaming smiles of the students, remarking, “It was truly heartwarming to see the joy on their faces, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Our conversation with the staff of St. George’s highlighted the impact this attraction holds for their students, and the limited facilities the Island has for attractions that meet their students’ needs. We feel very proud that we are able to offer this experience to them, and how much this is going to be an asset to the park.”
Dan further revealed that The Blackgang Beach will play host to more Accessibility Sessions throughout the 2024 season. These sessions will provide an intimate experience, exclusively tailored for individuals with disabilities, ensuring a calm atmosphere with limited capacity for maximum enjoyment. Dates for these sessions will be announced through Blackgang’s email, social media channels, and in collaboration with local schools.
The Blackgang Beach officially opened on 11th May to the general public. Formerly on the site of Cliffhanger, the retired rollercoaster, The Blackgang Beach has undergone a complete transformation, featuring a large water pillow surrounded by a vibrant yellow rubber pour giving the impression of water on sand, all without the mess. Children, and grown-ups, can enjoy endless hours of play, being able to boast to friends that they can “walk on water”. Local artist Tony Trowbridge has added some nostalgia to the area by painting a mural with lots of nods to Blackgang’s history and attractions of the past, creating the perfect backdrop for photos. The area has picnic bench seating, which no doubt will be a welcome addition for parents and carers.
For detailed information regarding opening hours and ticket prices, please visit their website.