The Council is pleased to report that contractors have now been confirmed to carry out the essential repair work for Dovehouse Close Play Area. This is welcome news during a prolonged period of unavoidable closure, which we are aware has been a source of frustration for local parents and their children.
Work will start on the Play Area in the week commencing 26 September, with an anticipated finish date of 7 October. The workers will be removing the junior multi-play unit at the eastern end of the play area and a section of the toddler multi-play area, while substantial repairs will be made to the agility trail/tunnel/slide unit. Various supporting poles for other play equipment will also be replaced, using selected poles that can be repurposed from the junior multi-play unit.
This is substantial work, reflecting the deteriorating quality of the old, wooden play equipment that falls short of modern-day standards. Children may find the play experience feels different to that enjoyed over the years once the site is re-opened.
The Council is conscious that more of the surviving wooden play equipment will need replacing soon. Rather than spending our limited resources making small improvements to the equipment, the Council will maintain the safety of it while ultimately planning for the installation of a whole set of new equipment.
The replacement play area project will be exciting but substantial work. We will be seeking the community’s help to formulate ideas, progress the work and secure funding to enable us to create a fun play area that our local families will enjoy for many years to come.
Keep an eye on this website for updates on the re-opening of the Play Area next month. The Council acknowledges the patience that children and their guardians have shown during this time of closure and we hope the confirmation of repair work dates will be a source of reassurance. Play will resume soon!