New playground produces some big smiles

Over the past few months, a disused bowling green in Florence Park, Cowley, has been transformed into a play centre for young and old children.

And on Friday, children and parents finally got to play there after its official opening.

The finishing touches will be put on the park in the next few days.

Artayvieah Thompson, four, and her three-year-old brother Syrianne were among some of the children who played there.

Their mum Tyeesha Robinson, from Donnington Bridge Road, said: “It’s brilliant, absolutely brilliant. It’s a shame we didn’t have this years ago.

“I’m looking forward to coming here lots with the kids in the summer.”

Artayvieah added: “My favourite bit is the sandpit.”

The play area has moved from its old site on the park, which suffered drainage problems. Council bosses say the new facilities are on much dryer land.

It is now next to Florence Park Children’s Centre and includes a sandpit, swings, embankment slide, bridge and sensory garden for younger children. Older children are being encouraged to take advantage of the green space, with play equipment next to nearby woodland and stream.

Oxford City Council board member for parks and sports Mark Lygo said: “It is fantastic that we are able to officially open the play area and it will be ready for children to use before the Easter holidays.

“The new location means it becomes much more accessible to families. I hope that they enjoy this great new facility.”

Opening the park on Friday, Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said: “This new location and equipment will be fantastic for the children of the city to enjoy.”

The site off Rymers Lane is one of the last to be finished in the city council’s £3.1m play area refurbishment programme. It is also one of the largest amounts given to a single park.

Others to have been upgraded include a Narnia-themed £115,000 play area at Bury Knowle Park, in Headington, as well as play areas in Normandy Crescent, in Cowley and Foxwell Drive, in Headington.