BIGGER and better play equipment, a picnic area and a sensory garden are just three of the ideas being proposed for the new Elms Field play area.
Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) released the initial designs for the regenerated play park on Monday, and are keen to hear from local residents and families on the proposals.
Work is due to start on the redevelopment scheme next year after planning permission was granted in April.
The Regeneration Company, who are overseeing the project, said they wanted to create a natural timber feel for the equipment, incorporating tree trunks felled as part of the wider development.
In a leaflet which is available for download from their website, the company said: “We’ve created clusters of equipment for toddlers, junior and older play to make sure there is plenty of access to challenging and stimulating equipment for different abilities. But we have made sure the spaces are integrated together to encourage play as individuals, groups and as families.
“We’re making sure there are lots of opportunities for play activities like swinging, spinning, climbing, balancing and sliding across the design. There is also going to be lots of multi-purpose and flexible equipment to encourage creative play and help link the different clusters together.
“We’ve also made sure the play area includes lots of grassed areas to run around, with lots of planting and landscaping throughout, and a special sensory area with tactile and musical play.”
WBC’s executive member for planning and regeneration, Cllr Mark Ashwell said: “t’s been really great watching the designs emerge since we were granted planning consent in April. Our brief to the designers was we wanted to create an aspirational play area, one which would attract families to the town centre and would offer a fantastic play experience for all. The designs which have come back offer this and more. We hope local parents and children will be excited about what we are proposing to create.
“The designs have incorporated lots of feedback from consultations over the years. These have included things such as lots of space to run around, bigger and better equipment suitable for a wider range of ages, and plentiful seating throughout including areas for picnics and relaxation. There will also be a new sensory garden area within the area.
“As part of the process we took the designers to see some of the other fantastic play areas which the council has provided in recent years so they could get a feel for the area so that we can offer something just as fantastic as these.
“We’re also keen to make sure the play area is accessible for a wide range of abilities, making sure there is the right range of equipment and the designs offer a safe and secure environment for children to play in, whilst offering easy access to the rest of the park. We’ve also made sure the designs promote imaginative and creative play alongside more traditional opportunities such as slides and swings.”
The full designs and proposals are available to view by visiting www.regenerationcompany.co.uk. Hard copies are available from the Shute End Council Offices, or the Town Hall Information Centre in Market Place.
Feedback on the designs can be emailed to towncentre.regeneration@wokingham.gov.uk or sent in writing to Town Centre Regeneration, Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN.
Comments should be received by Sunday, November 13 2016.
