Fairy-tale ending for much-loved children’s playground

A children’s play area in one of the city’s most beautiful parks is to have a fantastic £142,000 upgrade.

Hove Park playground will soon have a host of new equipment including a double castle multi play unit; a castle battering ram; new swings and slides; a fairy-tale toddler section and a net climbing frame.

There will also be new paths, surfaces and a picnic area with tables and chairs installed.

Access for all children

The park will have improved access, and all the new play equipment will be fully accessible for all children, including youngsters with disabilities.

The majority of the current play area and equipment will be replaced due to its age plus wear and tear.

But some equipment, including the climbing pole and bucket swing, will remain and stay open for play during the refurbishment. These items will also be replaced in the next couple of years.

The area being developed will be cordoned off with no public access during the work, which is due to start on Monday 7 June and take around four weeks to complete.

‘New equipment in place for summer’

Councillor Amy Heley, chair of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “Hove Park is much loved and very well used by local residents and people throughout the city.

“The playground is always a busy and exciting place to be for children of all ages. However, some of the play equipment is coming to the end if its life and must be replaced.

“It will mean the closure of most of the play area for around four weeks, but this will ensure the brand new equipment is in place well before the school summer holidays.” 

Playground manufacturer Kompan was chosen to supply and build the park after winning a tendering process.

The playground’s refurbishment is part of the council’s £3 million plan to upgrade 45 play park areas over the next three years.