Trent Road play area in Haydon Wick to receive a £70,000 makeover

Haydon Wick Parish Council, who has been working with accessible play area charities and school pupils to ensure accessible play, has announced its fifth play area revamp since 2020 - Trent Road play area.

To carry out the work Haydon Wick Parish Council allocated £70,000.00 for the refurbishment and enhancement of Trent Road Play Area, in Greenmeadow, Haydon Wick.

The Council sets aside budget each year to maintain the 23 play areas in the parish to a high standard for all the community to enjoy.

Last year saw enhancements to Luna Close Play Area in Oakhurst, Gaynor Close Play Area in Abbey Meads, and the wet pour safety resurfacing of Voyager Drive Play Area. The Council's aim is to eventually make all its 23 play areas accessible for all.

Trent Road Play Areas has now been made to tailor the needs of children with various disabilities including the provision of a basket swing, an accessible roundabout and numerous play panels.

As much of the existing equipment at Trent Road Play Area was in a repairable and reasonable condition, the play area received an enhancement instead of a full refurbishment.

Therefore, the specification was for a few new pieces of equipment and a cosmetic enhancement.

Benjamin’s Smile, Mums on a Mission, and Greenmeadow Primary School were all tasked with reviewing the tender bids received from various play area design companies. They did this during a school lesson on raising awareness of disabilities and how small adjustments to everyday life can make a huge difference to those living with disabilities and their families.

Greenmeadow Primary School also confirmed they are considering a fundraising activity to sponsor more equipment in the autumn.

During the review process pupils of Greenmeadow Primary school gave some heartwarming comments which really highlight the importance of accessible play for all.  “I could go on the roundabout with my sister who is in a wheelchair”. “That seesaw design is brilliant if you aren’t able to move like me”. “Some people can’t hear like us, so having sign language for us to learn is really cool”. I love how colourful the play area is”.

Four tender bids were received from leading play design companies and scrutinised by the Council’s Play Area Working Party before a recommendation was presented to Full Council in July.

Wicksteed Leisure Limited won the tender for its innovative designs, utilising the budget giving maximum play value within the space due for enhancement and the provision of several accessible friendly panels.

All members of the Council agreed that the design was very eye catching, captured over and above the original wish list and for a very competitive price. Benjamin’s Smile, Mums on a Mission and Greenmeadow Primary School were all very impressed with the winning design for Trent Road Play Area.

The Parish Council will be protecting its new asset with the installation of CCTV to ensure that the equipment is looked after well for years to come and to ensure that individuals and families using the play areas feel safe.

Councillor Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks & Open Spaces Committee said: “I am really pleased to report that we have been able to refresh Trent Road Play Area this year.

"I will look forward to seeing the Play Area open with its new look very soon. I’d like to thank the local charities for their help with feeding back on the designs and for the pupils of Greenmeadow Primary School for giving the thumbs up on the current designs and giving us plenty of ideas for future play area developments.

"Wicksteed Leisure was the supplier of the current play area equipment, which has served its purpose for the last 30 years with minimal repairs and maintenance.

"The current equipment will continue to be used and be repainted to match the freshness of the upcoming refurbishment.

"The Council’s focus has been making sure there is something for everyone with refreshed equipment that can meet most accessibility requirements, so that these can be enjoyed for generations to come. It is anticipated that the refurbishment will be completed by the late summer/early autumn and will be opened by pupils of Greenmeadow Primary School.

"This refurbishment together with having grass roots football club, AFC Haydon Vale, also at the site will really put Trent Road on the map for innovative play, sport and leisure activities”.

To find out the exact date of the play area opening please keep an eye on the Parish Council’s social media pages for more updates.