Improvements for two more play areas in Buckingham

Archived press release

Date Published: 14/04/11

Play area

Aylesbury Vale District Council is pleased to confirm that two more play areas in Buckingham will be improved to make them more exciting and challenging.

New play equipment will be installed at the Overn Avenue and Otters Brook play areas to cater for toddlers through to those aged 14.

The projects are part of an ongoing programme of play area improvements taking place across Aylesbury Vale.

Earlier this year the play area at Stratford Fields in Buckingham was updated with new equipment including a nest swing, climbing net, spinning dish, rope bridge and toddler’s seesaw.

The new play areas will combine natural elements such as earth mounds and boulders with other play features to give children more opportunities to play freely and creatively. It’s part of a national move away from fenced play areas with traditional play equipment and safety surfacing to play areas which offer more for imagination and personal development.

The council has asked local school children for their views on what they would like to see in their new play spaces. These views have been incorporated into the tender specification against which play equipment suppliers will be asked to submit their designs.

It’s hoped that work will commence this autumn with the play areas completed and open for use before the end of the year.

Funding for both play areas will be sought from Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN) and Section 106 funds, that are paid to the council by developers.

Gareth Bird, Senior Green Spaces Officer, said: “It’s essential that the council’s play areas are developed and maintained to the highest possible standards. Our aim is to make play areas fun, attractive and exciting and provide challenging play opportunities for all youngsters. Play is very important for children and it’s great to see that play areas in Buckingham will soon be even better.”

For more information on play areas in Buckingham, visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisure-culture or call 01296 585182.