READING Borough Council has celebrated the opening of a local park ahead of schedule following a refresh.
The relocated and upgraded Victoria Park play area in George Road opened ahead of schedule in December following a £462,000 investment by the council.
The play area is designed for children aged between 3 years and 12 years will be further complemented by an outdoor gym in time for summer 2025.
The design of the new playground was selected by local residents as part of a community consultation last year with a mix of equipment which includes equipment accessible to all ages and mobility levels.
It also has a new surface to enable access for children and carers using mobility aids.
The new equipment offers fun and challenges for children of all abilities with swings, toddler and junior multi play units, play panels, an accessible see-saw, and a climbing tower with a tunnel slide.
Reading Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture and Abbey Ward Councillors were joined by local school children from Oxford Road Community School at the new play area this week.
It forms part of the Council’s ongoing investment in fun, free and accessible play equipment at local parks across the town.
Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “Outdoor play is essential for children’s health and wellbeing, so investment in improved play facilities is always money well spent.
“Victoria Park is a much-loved and popular community park so I am delighted to deliver this fantastic new playground.
“It has been wonderful to see children enjoying the new equipment despite the winter weather, and of course by the summer we will have an outdoor gym to come in time for the summer.”
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She explained: “Every child deserves a place to play and all our new play areas are designed to be used by every child in Reading with high-quality equipment that is as accessible as possible for all children and their carers.
“I am grateful to the Accessible Play Task and Finish Group for helping to ensure that Reading’s new playgrounds are fun for everyone.
“I would also like to thank the residents who take the time to respond to our playground consultations. Your input ensures that each play area is tailored to the community it serves.”
