Press Release

5 April 2019

Four play areas re-open with new equipment

Children from Big Discoveries Nursery were delighted to officially open a newly refurbished play area at Portchester Park.

The play area is one of four which has been improved by Fareham Borough Council with new play equipment.

The four play areas at Portchester Park, Sweethills Crescent in Sarisbury, Castle Street in Portchester and Eastern Parade in Fareham, have all been upgraded as part of a £500,000 five-year improvement programme to upgrade 20 play areas.

Portchester Park in Westlands Grove has new toddler and junior play equipment, an inclusive swing and roundabout whilst Sweethills Crescent play area has new toddler equipment, a basket swing and a climbing wall.

At Castle Street play area in Portchester, there’s a new castle themed climbing unit, an inclusive swing and a roundabout. At Eastern Parade, improvements include a new boat play unit and access has been improved with a new pathway and dropped kerbs.

Traditional games and graphics have also been painted on the ground at all four play areas and equipment has been repainted and cleaned to make the play areas look as good as new.

Before work began, residents were consulted and asked to vote on what pieces of equipment they wanted in the play areas.

The children were given goody bags to mark the occasion by company Wicksteed, who supplied the play area equipment.

Executive Member of Leisure and Community, Cllr Sue Bell, said: “We are delighted to have improved these play areas and given children the gift of play. The play areas are extra special as the children choose which pieces of play equipment they wanted. We are hoping as many children as possible get outside and enjoy the new play areas.”

The next round of play areas to be improved will be Barry’s Meadow in Titchfield, Harbour View in Portchester, Bath Lane in Fareham and Swanwick Lane in Sarisbury.

To find out more please look at http://www.fareham.gov.uk/leisure/out_and_about_in_fareham/play_areas/playareaimprovements.aspx

ENDS