Castle Hill Playground Closes Early
Tuesday, 16th June 2009.
Castle Hill playing fields playground has been closed for refurbishment three weeks earlier than planned, because of vandalism.
Work had been due to begin on a £110,000 upgrade, designed to be used by children from neighbouring residential areas, on 1 July. However the current equipment was declared unuseable after the safety surface was badly damaged by vandals at the end of last week.
Cllr Anne Gower, Chair of the Haverhill Partnership and ward member for the area said,
“Unfortunately repairing the surface to make it safe wasn’t possible so near to the planned closure. The utter thoughtlessness of those who vandalised the surface has prevented local children from being able to use the play area for the next month. We hope that when the play area reopens on 31 July it will be less vulnerable to this type of damage.”
The work, being funded through a successful Play Builder bid of £50,000 and a grant from St Edmundsbury Borough Council of £60,000, will result in a grand design for children up to twelve years, ready for the summer holidays. The design has been based on consultation with local schools and the Parkway Residents’ Association and its key feature is a ‘castle’, sculpted from trees. As well as other natural features such as grass mounds, planting and hedges, there is a zip wire, basket swing, rope climbing frame and an area for smaller children to play in. The new area will be sited closer to the Newt Pond.
Work had been due to begin on a £110,000 upgrade, designed to be used by children from neighbouring residential areas, on 1 July. However the current equipment was declared unuseable after the safety surface was badly damaged by vandals at the end of last week.
Cllr Anne Gower, Chair of the Haverhill Partnership and ward member for the area said,
“Unfortunately repairing the surface to make it safe wasn’t possible so near to the planned closure. The utter thoughtlessness of those who vandalised the surface has prevented local children from being able to use the play area for the next month. We hope that when the play area reopens on 31 July it will be less vulnerable to this type of damage.”
The work, being funded through a successful Play Builder bid of £50,000 and a grant from St Edmundsbury Borough Council of £60,000, will result in a grand design for children up to twelve years, ready for the summer holidays. The design has been based on consultation with local schools and the Parkway Residents’ Association and its key feature is a ‘castle’, sculpted from trees. As well as other natural features such as grass mounds, planting and hedges, there is a zip wire, basket swing, rope climbing frame and an area for smaller children to play in. The new area will be sited closer to the Newt Pond.
Comment on this story
[board listing] [login] [register]
You must be logged in to post messages. (login now)