Moon Jar Artwork Unveiled at Dukes Meadows Playground
Created by ceramic artist Roz Wallis and the children of Riverside nursery
Cllr Jack Emsley, Roz Wallis and Tina Heighs from the Riverside Community Day Nursery and her daughter
December 13, 2025
A new community art installation has been unveiled at Dukes Meadows playground, adding to the site’s distinctive blend of play, nature and creativity.
The ceramic artwork, known as the Moon Jar, was created by local resident and ceramic artist Roz Wallis. Decorated with the handprints of children from Riverside Community Day Nursery, the piece replaces a previous artwork that was damaged by vandals.
The Moon Jar was officially unveiled by Dukes Meadows Trust trustee and local councillor Jack Emsley, who also presented flowers to Ms Wallis in recognition of her work.
Speaking at the unveiling, Councillor Emsley highlighted the unique character of the playground. “The aim in designing the playground was to create an area that was fun and encouraged active play, but also to offer a beautiful, uplifting space that children and parents would enjoy spending time in,” he said. “A huge thanks to Roz and the pupils at Riverside nursery who have created such a fantastic addition to this space, as well as to Kathleen and the rest of the team at the Dukes Meadows Trust for their continued hard work in maintaining and improving the area.”
Dukes Meadows Trust is responsible for managing and maintaining a number of features in the park, including the Splash Pool, planted beds, and hedgerows. The group also raises funds for improvements, such as the restoration of Promenade Approach, and relies on income from the Sunday Market and artists’ studios in the renovated Pavilion.
The Trust does not receive revenue funding from the council and relies on volunteer support for its work. Regular volunteer sessions are held on Fridays at 11am.
Anyone interested in volunteering can find more information and sign up via the Trust’s website.
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