A BRAND new play area will be created in Oxford, and another revamped as part of an ongoing overhaul of city parks.

Following talks with families, a new play area will be built in Girdlestone Road, Headington, close to shops and schools, while ageing equipment in Wolvercote, in the north of the city, will be replaced.

The work, part of Oxford City Council’s £2.5m revamp programme, should be completed by Christmas.

The Headington play area will feature a fenced-off area for toddlers and a partially fenced area for older children, complete with state-of-the-art equipment.

It will replace the existing Girdlestone Road play area, following concerns from parents that it was hidden from view and had been the subject of misuse.

The existing Wolvercote play area, opposite The Red Lion pub, will be remodelled – based on the advice of children at Wolvercote Primary School who took part in special design sessions.

Councillor Mark Lygo, executive member for sport, play and school liaison, said: “We are committed to the play area refurbishment programme and improving the facilities available for our children and young people.

“The new play area in Headington will be a huge boost to local residents as it is far more accessible than the existing area.

“During the consultation process, residents expressed concern over the current location and we have listened to that and moved it to a much better site.

“The improvement work at Wolvercote will also be a boost to the local community.”

Some 36 playgrounds have now been refurbished as part of the three-year citywide programme that will see 55 out of 87 areas revamped.

Despite increased financial pressure, the city council has vowed to complete the £2.5m scheme, which is funded from its own sources and not dependent on external or Government grants. In October, children in Barton were told an £800,000 government- funded play project would go ahead along with another 11 play area projects around the county, including one in Appleton. They will each get grants of £47,000.

The money was released by the Department of Education.

IN THE PIPLINE

OTHER play areas due for refurbishment over the remainder of this financial year include:

  • Ridley Road, Cowley
  • Falcon Close, Blackbird Leys
  • Mistletoe Green, Greater Leys
  • Dene Road, Headington
  • Friars Wharf, St Ebbe’s
  • Bury Knowle Park, Headington
  • Cowley Marsh
  • Sandfield Road, Headington
  • Wolvercote Green, Wolvercote