Playground upgrade means it can now be enjoyed by all
Children can now enjoy a whole range of new activities including accessible equipment at a revamped playground in Abingdon.
Vale of White Horse District Council secured funding for a project to refurbish the Cotman Close play area in Abingdon. The new-look play area includes swings, a rope bridge and a trampoline among others. Work on the site is now complete and it reopened in mid-April during the school Easter holidays.
Families can now enjoy fully accessible play equipment and picnic tables in the area. A butterfly ‘game station’ offers a combination of sensory, tactile and fun activities and puzzles, while an inclusive toddler unit also features a wheelchair ramp making the area more accessible.
Play area before
The council consulted children and staff from nearby Thameside Primary School and local residents about what type of equipment they would like to see in the new playground. In addition, pupils from Thameside worked with two local artists to design new signage for the play area. Where possible, the playground equipment was made using recycled and recyclable material.
The reopening of Cotman Close comes as the council has also extended opening hours at two other play areas in the district. The sites in Berrycroft and Crosslands Drive had previously been closed overnight and all day on Sundays.
Of the 37 play areas that the council manages in the district, Berrycroft and Crosslands Drive were the only two not open all the time. Following a request from a resident, the council reviewed the opening hours and proposed to keep both open 24/7. The proposals were put to the public who responded positively for the change, with a majority agreeing for both playgrounds to stay open all the time in line with the council’s other playgrounds.
Andrew Busby, Head of Development and Corporate Landlord at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We’re delighted to see the new equipment in Cotman Close especially with so many accessible activities available. We’re also glad we were able to act to change the opening hours of two play areas as we know how important it is to get physical exercise and enjoy outdoor spaces.”
Notes for editors:
Images of the new play area for use by the media – please include Copyright Vale of White Horse District Council. More pics are available on request.
During the consultation on opening hours for the playgrounds (56 per cent of residents who responded agreed for Berrycroft to always be open, and 70 per cent of those who responded for Crosslands Drive also agreeing to the new opening hours).
The refurbishment of Cotman Close is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
