Residents across North Warwickshire are enjoying brand new play facilities following the successful refurbishment of two popular play areas in Atherstone and Arley.
The play areas at Ridge Lane Recreation Ground and Arley Recreation Ground have been upgraded with a range of modern, inclusive and accessible play equipment, creating vibrant community spaces where children of all ages and abilities can play, explore, develop physical skills and enjoy active outdoor recreation.
The improvements were approved by councillors as part of North Warwickshire Borough Council's budget setting process and demonstrates the Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality community space that promotes healthier lifestyles, support child development and provide opportunities for families to spend time together outdoors.
At Arley Recreation Ground, the refurbishment features a new zip wire, junior multi-play unit, activity trail, flat swings, basket swing, inclusive swing, cradle swings, an inclusive roundabout and a variety of interactive play panels.
Improvements at Ridge Lane Recreation Ground include a new zip wire, seesaw, junior multi-play unit, inclusive roundabout, flat swings, basket swing, cradle swings, inclusive swing, upgraded entrance features and an in-ground trampoline.
Both play areas now provide a diverse range of equipment designed to support children of different ages, interests and abilities, ensuring the sites offer welcoming, inclusive and engaging spaces for local families. The enhanced facilities will help encourage outdoor play, improve health and wellbeing, promote social interaction and strengthen community connections for years to come.
To celebrate the completion of the projects, opening events were held at both sites. Councillor Margaret Bell, Chair of the Community and Environment Board, officially opened the play areas with ribbon-cutting ceremonies alongside local children and families from the surrounding communities.
Councillor Margaret Bell, Chair of the Community and Environment Board, said:
"It was fantastic to see so many local families attending the opening events and enjoying the new facilities. The positive response from residents has been overwhelming, and it is clear that these improvements are already making a real difference to our communities.
These upgraded play areas provide much more than new equipment. They create safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces where children can be active, build confidence, make friends and enjoy spending time outdoors. They also provide valuable opportunities for families to come together and strengthen the community connections.
I am delighted that North Warwickshire Borough Council has been able to invest in these important community assets, ensuring local people have access to high-quality recreational spaces that will support the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of residents for many years to come."