FORGET buses coming in threes. For Reading’s youngsters, it’s the far more important subject of play parks.
A trio of recreational areas have now been completed, giving families more options for cheap days out.
They are Lulworth Road, off Brayford Road; South Whitley Recreation Ground; and Coley Recreation Ground.
Funding has come from contributions made by housing developers – the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and the Government’s Levelling Up grant.
The play areas are designed to be accessible to children of all abilities.
The Lulworth Road play area, funded from a £130,000 CIL pot, is for younger families and includes a playhouse, spring rides and play panels. It is hoped that work designed for the nearby bin store will help deter fly-tipping, and an artist has been commissioned to create pieces to enhance the area.
Work on South Whitley Recreation ground has been ongoing in recent months and follows on from a community orchid on the site.
The new play area for toddlers includes swings, slides and a trim trail, while concrete animals have been given a lick of paint and a new safety surface has been installed. The ball court has been resurfaced, and new goal ends installed.
Coley residents chose the design for the recreation ground, which received a £200,000 makeover. There are swings, play panels and an accessible see-saw to enjoy.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “It’s wonderful to see children and young people enjoying our three newest play areas in Whitley and Coley.
“Playgrounds are an important part of our communities which is why Reading Borough Council is committed to a widespread programme of improvements that has seen £890,000 invested in play so far this year.
“The provision of high-quality equipment that is as accessible as possible for all children and their carers remains a key priority for us. I am grateful to the Accessible Play Task and Finish Group for helping to ensure that Reading’sCllr new playgrounds are fun for everyone.”
She also thanked residents for their insights.
“Your input ensures that each play area is tailored to the community it serves,” she said. “A example is the innovative Base Climb unit in Coley, which is designed to enable young people to develop their Parkour skills.”
The view was echoed by Cllr Micky Leng, lead councillor for planning, who explained how CIL funding had been helpful for this project.
“CIL funding plays a vital role in enhancing our communities and improving public services. So, even if you’re not familiar with CIL, know that it’s working behind the scenes to make our town a better place to live and thrive,” he added.
