Residents asked to choose new play area design at Reading Park
There are four designs to choose from
Reading Borough Council is giving local residents the opportunity to choose the design for a major new play area in prospect Park.
The play area will see a major investment of ÂŁ530,000 which will relocate the existing playground closer to car parking and away from the large veteran oaks that we all enjoy.
All design options offer an mix of equipment, including a large junior multi-unit with an access ramp and a tube slide, inclusive roundabouts, swings, seesaws, spinners, zip wires, sensory areas and play panels, alongside a toddler multi-unit.
The new play area will be designed to allow much better access to and around the play area and will be as inclusive as possible – aiming to challenge, excite and inspire as well as encourage children of all abilities to play together.
The Council invited several leading specialist companies to put forward their designs for the refurbishment of the playground, which have all been shortlisted for public consultation.
Residents from all parts of Reading are encouraged to vote on their favourite from a choice of four exciting designs here between Monday 14 March and Friday 22 April 2022: https://consult.reading.gov.uk/dens/prospect-park-play-area/
Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said:
“I’m delighted we are able to invest over half a million pounds in the new play area at Prospect Park. As one of Reading’s most important destination parks, improving this site and access to it, has been a high priority for the Council.
“Please take the time to view the four fabulous designs and let us know which one you prefer the most! We’ll also be consulting with our Accessible Play Task and Finish Group and asking them to contribute their thoughts to ensure the new play area provides access for children and carers of all abilities.
“As our largest destination park in west Reading, people come from all around to enjoy it. This investment will provide a wonderful enhancement for this well-loved park into the future.”
Once the consultation is completed the results from the public consultation will form a significant part of the final selection of the winning design, which will also include consultation with the Reading Access and Disabilities Working Group and assessments on value for money and technical competency.
The winning design will be announced at the end of April 2022.
The enhancement of this play area will begin in August 2022 and will form part of the major development at this location alongside the new play activity hub within the Prospect Park Pavilion, due to open during the spring, making this an exciting new destination for activities, entertainment and learning for families and children from across Reading and beyond. It is anticipated work will complete and the new play area will open by the end of September 2022.
For more information on the relocation of the play area, visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/proposals-for-a-new-playground-at-prospect-park/
For more information on the Play Activity Centre at Prospect Park, visit: https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/proposals-to-transform-play-at-prospect-park/