Backed by a £600,000 council investment, funded from developer contributions, the play parks at Boyn Grove and Grenfell Park in Maidenhead and Vansittart Recreation Ground in Windsor are being refurbished. Work is planned to start at Boyn Grove mid-November followed by Grenfell Park and then Vansittart Recreation Ground around the end of the month. Community feedback from consultations for each site has helped inform their new designs and they are due to reopen early next year.
These improvements form part of the council's ongoing commitment to creating cleaner, greener and safer communities and are part of a wider programme to revitalise the Royal Borough’s parks and green spaces, and create welcoming environments where children can play, explore and develop.
The Pirate Park at Clewer Memorial Recreation Ground in Windsor and the play park at Oaken Grove in Maidenhead were both refurbished this summer. Work continues on the redevelopment of Kidwells skate park in Maidenhead which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Performance, Cllr Mark Wilson said: "Play parks are much more than places to have fun. They support children's development, encourage physical activity, improve wellbeing and help bring communities together.
"I know residents really value these spaces, which are at the heart of their communities but many of our play parks are showing their age. This is why we have prioritised this multi-year programme of refurbishments, demonstrating our commitment to creating spaces children and families can be proud of and enjoy for years to come.”
To minimise disruption, the refurbishment work has been scheduled during the winter when play park use is typically low. Design images and construction updates for the play parks will be shared on the council’s parks and open spaces website section. Simply scan the QR code or note the website link on the posters at the three play parks to view their individual progress. Alternatively, visit the council’s homepage and use the search function to find the play area needed. The online updates will start once work begins at that site.
Other existing parks facilities at Boyn Grove and Vansittart Recreation Ground will remain open throughout, although there will be no public parking at Grenfell during the work there.
The council awarded the contract to Kompan to carry out the work following a competitive procurement process.