Witney News - Official opening of new adventure play area

Official opening of new adventure play area

A new adventure play area at Kilkenny Lane Country Park in Brize Norton, near Carterton, will be officially opened on Tuesday 22 September.

With over £180,000 spent on exciting and unusual play equipment, it is the first of its kind in West Oxfordshire. Set in the Kilkenny Lane Country Park, it is designed to encourage children of all ages and abilities to play and be active in a natural environment.

Large wooden totem-style poles form part of the design and these have become a striking feature of the local landscape. Natural materials have been used to blend in with the surrounding area and these include a living willow maze and large boulders for children to climb and sit upon.

The play area opened during the summer and children have already been enjoying the new facilities, which include a large assault course, trampolines, a zip wire, musical chimes as well as old favourites such as swings, slides and a sand pit. There is a purpose built car park for visitors.

Cllr Hilary Biles, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Health said, “This is a wonderful new facility which is already proving to be extremely popular. Children love it and we’ve received many favourable comments from local families. It’s certainly a great way to encourage youngsters to be active and healthy. I’m sure it will give lots of enjoyment for years to come.”

Sarah Wright who lives in Shilton Park, Carterton and whose 7 year old daughter uses the new play area said, “We were surprised and thrilled with the new park, the quality and quantity of the equipment is outstanding. I feel very lucky to have such an amenity on our doorstep.

“We all knew that a play area had been planned, but what has been produced far exceeds my expectations. I know that I speak on behalf of many local mums and dads and grandparents when I say a big thank you on behalf of our little ones, as it provides a safe and different play experience.”

The play area project has been led by West Oxfordshire District Council. Funding was secured by the Council from the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) Children’s Play Programme (£80,000), developer contributions from Carterton North-East housing (£50,000) and the Government’s Playbuilder Grant Fund, distributed by Oxfordshire County Council, (£50,000).