Improvements to play areas across Buckinghamshire

Parks and play areas across Buckinghamshire have been boosted by a programme of improvement works during 2022 with more works are planned for 2023.

As part of Buckinghamshire Council’s promise to invest in local communities, the works have seen old and tired play equipment replaced with modern and up to date facilities designed to stimulate and encourage creative play.

Works completed during 2022 included:

• A new junior play area in Desborough recreation ground in High Wycombe.
• Significant improvements to the play facilities in Cottesloe Green, Haydon Hill and Walton Court in Aylesbury.
• Replacement surfacing on Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) at Calvert Green and at Oakfield Road Park and Bedgrove Park in Aylesbury.
• A new play area in Calvert Green.

Planned works for 2023 include:

• A new skate park next to Bridge Street in Buckingham – replacement of the old equipment. Planning consent has now been approved and work is expected to start in spring with completion in time for the start of the summer holidays.
• Installation of a large, colourful play facility in Vale Park, Aylesbury – works due to start in spring. The design, aimed at children aged 4 to 12, features a central ship structure with climbing nets, track ride and a traditional slide alongside an accessible carousel.
• Replacement junior and toddler play areas in Higginson Park in Marlow – public engagement under way after which a design brief will be developed and works are expected to start in the spring. To submit comments or suggestions contact [email protected].
• Replacement of the Ropes on the Rye play area in The Rye, High Wycombe – initial discussions under way with suppliers and a public consultation will take place shortly.
• Resurfacing of the Multi Use Games Area at Edinburgh Playing Fields in Aylesbury.
• Installation of a new play area and learn to ride street scene as part of the development of the new country park in Stoke Poges.

Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Buckinghamshire Council, said: ‘We are really pleased to have been able to improve so many play areas across the county in the past year with more works planned for other areas in the coming year, including the exciting prospect of a new country park in Stoke Poges which will offer a whole range of leisure opportunities for visitors.

We know pressures on budgets are huge for everyone and that includes us as a council, but at the same time we have made a promise to residents that we will continue investing in our communities and this work is part of that. These are parks and play areas that are used by families and children all year round and so it is important to us that modern and engaging play facilities around the county are freely available for all children to enjoy.‘

*Source of information : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.