Witney News - Playground springs back to life

Playground springs back to life

A “tired” playground has been given a new lease of life thanks to a joint council initiative.

Ralegh Crescent play area at Deer Park, Witney has undergone a £63,000 refurbishment and has been completely redesigned with an exciting range of new equipment for youngsters up to the age of 12.

The facilities were based on feedback from local children who had the opportunity to pick the kind of equipment they wanted during a consultation at West Witney Primary School Christmas Fayre last year.

Supplier HAGS then came up with a play area designed to cater for the entire age range features including slides, swings, climbing equipment and a toddler trail.

The project was a joint partnership between WODC and Witney Town Council, and was brought about due to S106 funding from recent housing developments.

Cllr Jeanette Baker, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see this money being put to such good use and making a real difference to the local community.

“This play area will continue to provide great fun for generations of children.”

The new design has also taken into account problems with drainage, which often made the old space unusable during periods of wet weather. The need to improve this came through clearly from local residents during consultation.
Witney Town councillor Harry Eaglestone said: “It’s especially good to see the results of a successful consultation with local children breathe new life into such a well-used and popular play area. The refurbishment, to a very high standard by our local town and district councils, has been well worth the wait”
Cllr Jim King added: “A good deal of thought has obviously gone into both the design and the equipment - it will be great to see the children enjoying the park again.
“The design is brilliant and we hope that it has long lasting appeal and will be valued by children of all ages.”