New play facilities officially opened

Archived press release

Date Published: 01/04/09

Councillor Glover officially opens the new play area in Bedgrove Park

Schoolchildren turned out in force for the official opening of new play facilities in Aylesbury today (1 April).

A multi-use games area, children’s play area, teenage play and fitness equipment and a youth shelter with solar powered lighting are among the new facilities in Bedgrove Park. A new play area has also been installed in the Turnfurlong area.

The play facilities were officially opened by Councillor Netta Glover, Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council, with the help of pupils from Bedgrove Infants’ School and Turnfurlong Infants’ and Junior Schools.

AVDC helped fund the projects and consulted local schoolchildren, councillors and residents to find out what equipment they wanted to see provided.

New equipment in Bedgrove Park includes a zip wire, wide slide and tyre swing as well as the largest roundabout in Aylesbury. The new play area in Turnfurlong includes climbing and sliding units, a roundabout, swings, a seesaw, and stepping pods.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Play facilities such as these are excellent assets for the community. They provide youngsters with somewhere to go and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. We’d like to thank all the residents and schools who took part in the consultations and told us what was needed – we hope they like the results.”

Eight play areas around Aylesbury have been refurbished in the past year to provide a better range of equipment for both young children and teenagers, costing £600,000. More improvements are planned this year with financial help from the Big Lottery Fund, Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust.

For more information about play facilities in Aylesbury Vale, visit the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or call 01296 585228.