New park facilities open in Berkshire
You can now book to go to the new play area at California Country Park
Last updated 23rd Apr 2021
Bookings are now open for the new play area at California Country Park at Finchampstead, which open this weekend.
The booking system will be in place at peak times to ensure social distancing can be maintained and staff and visitors are kept safe. Tickets are free but must be booked ahead of time between 10am and 4pm on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. These will run in one hour play slots, limited to 100 children at one time, and will be bookable for the following entry times - 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3pm.
The new play area can be roughly split into two areas – the Sensory Garden and the Wild Wood. The Sensory Garden is designed with younger children in mind, although most of the equipment is suitable for a range of ages and abilities, including a variety of imaginative water play equipment. It provides a space where children can investigate and discover their world through creative play or test their physical abilities in more active play.
The Wild Wood is designed to physically challenge older children and teenagers. It includes three different tree houses of varying heights and level of challenge wrapped around existing pine trees. There’s a rope and pole agility course climbing pyramid and a zip wire, as well as sound cushions and carved woodland animals at ground level to add interest for younger children.
Additional seating has been created, for parents and carers as well as visitors using the paddling pool. Other improvements to the café, public toilets and car parks were completed in preparation for the new play area earlier in the year, including a changing places facility for disabled users.
The play area is designed to have year-round appeal for local families and their children. Accessibility has also been improved with new surfaced paths to the paddling pool, café and toilets.
Clare Lawrence, assistant director for place services, said:
“We’re delighted to be able to open this play area and look forward to welcoming people soon. It offers an exciting array of play options for children of all ages. If you’re planning to visit over the next few months, be sure to check whether to book in advance, especially if visiting at weekends or during the holidays, or face disappointment on arrival.”
Bookings can be made via the California Country park webpages and will be for one hour slots only. For more details and frequently asked questions, including parking arrangements and how the park will be run at peak times, visit the California Country Park webpages.