Mayor opens Brook Road Open Space playground after £75,000 revamp
The Mayor of Reigate & Banstead officially opened the new and improved playground at Brook Road Open Space in Merstham on 8 June.
The new playground features an exciting range of new equipment catering for toddlers and children aged up to 13, including cradle swings, spring rockers, a multi-play unit with slides, a roundabout, climbing frames, a basket swing, an adventure trail and even a zip wire.
The equipment is a mixture of unobtrusive timber and brightly coloured, modern equipment. The improvements also include plenty of new seating, landscaping and footpaths and the play area is wheelchair accessible.
Playbuilder funding
£50,000 of funding towards the project was secured last year from the Department for Children Schools and Families' Playbuilder programme (via Surrey County Council).
The scheme aims to provide young people and children with more safe, challenging and exciting play opportunities, particularly for children aged eight to 13. The other £25,000 for the project comes from New Growth Points funding.
Exciting
Cllr Adam De Save, Executive Member for Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “Children will spend many happy hours enjoying the new and exciting playground, which promises to be fun for its young visitors, whilst giving parents peace of mind that their children are playing in a safe environment. I hope youngsters in the area get a lot of enjoyment from the new facilities."
Local school children chose their favourite design from the three shortlisted schemes; following consultation with the local community last October, Wicksteed’s design won the youngsters’ vote.
The new playground replaces the old one at the north end of Brook Road Open Space, by Malmestone Avenue.
Preston scheme
Children in Preston will also benefit from the Playbuilder funding with new play facilities planned for Merland Rise Recreation Ground later in 2010.
In total £1.1m in Playbuilder funding has been allocated to Surrey, to be divided between the 11 boroughs and districts, enabling each authority to create or refurbish 2 children's play areas - 22 across the county. The funding can be topped up with match funding from other sources.
Last updated : 24/06/2010
