NEW PLAY equipment in Reading is set to be unveiled earlier than expected, and in time for the Easter holiday.
Reading Borough Council has announced that the refurbished play area in Prospect Park is now set to open on Thursday, March 23.
Originally set to open this summer, the revamped play area represents more than £500,000′ worth of investment by the council.
It features themed zones, such as quiet play areas and activity panels, roundabouts, a swing set, and a zip wire.
It also features two large climbing towers, complete with a tunnel slide and an access ramp to improve accessibility.
Braille panels, lower-level inclusive play nets, and tactile panels, as well as much of the facility being at ground level, also contribute to making the space more accessible for children with specific physical requirements.
The park is part of a wider set of investments in Prospect Park, which will have seen an activity centre installed in the pavilion building, mini-golf, and Sky Tykes climbing ropes and walls.
Further improvements, including a cafe, are set to be completed later this year, as well as the removal of the old play are and small improvements to pedestrian access and crossings.
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “I am delighted that we have delivered this fantastic new play area months ahead of schedule.
“It is inclusive of children of all ages and abilities, and the earlier opening date will be a boon to families looking for free family days out during the Easter holidays and beyond.
“Between the new play area and The Ranger Station opposite, this council has invested over £1m in play at Prospect Park: it is one of the town’s destination parks so it was vital to us that the facilities are accessible to all children.”
Tom Charman, project manager, HAGS, said: “We are extremely pleased to open the play area at Prospect Park. It has been fantastic to work in partnership with Reading Council to deliver this unique play space, and we hope all of the Reading community will enjoy the new facilities.”
The new play area in Prospect Park is now due to open on Thursday, March 23.
