IF YOU’VE ever wanted to be a giant walking through the streets of Reading now’s your chance.
A new crazy golf course has opened in Prospect Park, and each of the nine holes on the course has a Ding-inspired theme.
They include Reading Abbey, The Blade and Reading Festival.
It’s all part of the new Ranger Station, Reading Borough Council’s new activity and entertainment attraction in Prospect Park.
The family-friendly venue is also about to open a Sky Tykes low ropes attraction, aimed at ages two to seven.
Available from Monday, August 22, it helps youngsters develop their physical confidence and coordination skills.
It costs from £4.50 per child for a 45-minute session.
The mini-golf is open from 10am to 6pm, and 10am to 4pm at weekends, with pricing starting at £4.50 per person or £20 for a group for up to five. People can play the course twice.
Other attractions are planned, including a multi-function room that can be used for parties and meetings, and a café with indoor and outdoor seating.
An outdoor play area will include a climbing wall and activities such as den building, archery and an outdoor classroom.
A specialist teaching system will be set up, making the Ranger Station suitable for pupils with additional needs, or excluded from mainstream education.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead for leisure and culture, said she was delighted to see the new attractions open.
“We are delivering on increasing physical activity, health and well-being across the borough, with targeted work in the community to reach those in most need, and work towards reducing health inequalities,” she said.
“Alongside our major £40 million investment in modern new leisure facilities and swimming pools, all of which are well underway or completed, this development will help us increase leisure opportunities and in doing so significantly improve the health and wellbeing of our young people.”
She added that it was important to the council to make it facilities open to all.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and have fun in our parks and sports centres, which is why the mini-golf has been designed to include people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids and we now have a Changing Places facility – a positive step in improving the accessible facilities for all users of Prospect Park,” she explained.
“This development will allow our amazing Reading Play Service to expand the important educational work they do with vulnerable children from across the borough, providing a significant and valuable extension to our provision for vulnerable and SEND children in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. Income generated through paid activities will help support this vital work.”
She continued: “I’m really looking forward to when our new café and other great facilities open, but it doesn’t end there. The new activity centre is just one aspect of the enhancement and investment we are making into Prospect Park.
“This autumn we will begin construction on an exciting new playground with a solid focus on accessible equipment for children of all abilities.
“The winning £530,000 design was voted for by residents and will be open in time for the 2023 summer holidays, making Prospect Park a great destination for a family day out.”
She said that her time with the golf clubs had been enjoyable, even if she didn’t set up a high score.
“I really enjoyed trying out the mini-golf amongst some of Reading’s finest heritage buildings today, although sadly I didn’t manage any holes-in-one,” she said.
For more on the Ranger Station log on to: www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/active-reading, and for Prospect Park plans, log on to: www.reading.gov.uk/ProspectPlayground
