A new play area funded by housebuilders has been officially opened in Emmbrook.
Linden Homes and Bovis Homes, part of the Vistry Group contributed £257,881 towards the new play area off Howlett Grove, next to St Cecilia’s CofE Primary School and at the entrance to the new Streamside Park, which is currently under construction.
The play area, built by outdoor design and installation specialists PFL Group Ltd, includes a multi-use games area, a range of children’s play equipment, including a cableway with platform, and landscaped areas.
Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Beth Rowland, cut the ribbon to officially open the playground just in time for last month’s half-term.
Vistry Thames Valley marketing manager, Alix Laflin, who attended the ribbon-cutting event, said: “Providing places for children to play and everyone to enjoy the outdoors and get active is an important and integral aspect of providing new homes.
“This play area lies at the heart of our plans for this new neighbourhood in Wokingham, and I think everyone who attended the opening was impressed with the facilities we have provided here for residents of this location and the wider area.
“It was good to have an occasion to showcase what we have delivered here and officially open it to the public.”
They added: “I would like to thank the Mayor, Beth Rowland, for doing the honours and cutting the ribbon to declare this facility open for residents to enjoy, and Wokingham Borough Council for supporting the occasion and highlighting this valuable local asset.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was also attended by Cllrs Imogen Shepherd-DuBey and Morag Malvern, who are the WBC members for Emmbrook Ward where the site is located. Vistry Thames Valley technical director Darren McArthur, and technical co-ordinator Nicolette Carter were also present.
Richard Thomas, head of school at St Cecilia’s, said: “The children had a wonderful morning meeting the Mayor and playing on the new equipment. I’m sure it will continue to be well used, especially after they’ve told all their friends.
“They were so proud to be the first to try it and we’re delighted to have this exciting new amenity right on our doorstep.”
And Cllr Rowland said: “It was a pleasure to open this playground and to meet the children from St Cecilia’s, as well as residents from the wider North Wokingham community.
“The pupils were clearly loving every minute and were so well behaved despite being incredibly excited, so they truly were a credit to their school.”
