Swindon play park set for exciting refurbishment

Work began to refurbish and expand the Trent Road play area in Haydon Wick on November 13 with plans that will make the local facility more accessible. 

Haydon Wick Parish Council is responsible for the park and has drawn up plans that will retain some of the current equipment but will also expand it to include a basket swing, play panels, an accessible roundabout, wet pour graphics and a wide slide.

A spokesperson for the parish council said: "We are excited to announce that the refurbishment of Trent Road Play Area is well underway and the project should be completed by mid-December."

A plan on what the Trent Road play area in Swindon will look like (Image: Haydon Wick Parish Council)Pupils from Greenmeadow School as well as two local disability charities, Mums on a Mission and Benjamin's Smile were consulted for the new proposals and even reviewed the tender bids. 

Because of this, the tender went to Wicksteed because everyone loved its innovative designs all while utilising the budget to do the most with it.  

Additions to the park include an accessible roundabout, accessible basket swing, rotary web climber, talking flowers, magic toadstools, bongo drugs and play panels. 

The council spokesperson added: "Thank you Mums on a Mission - Swindon and Benjamin's Smile for your advice and shared experiences.

The Trent Road play area (Image: Haydon Wick Parish Council)

"And thank you to the former Year 6 Pupils of Greenmeadow Primary School for reviewing the designs and giving feedback."

The local authority shared some of the 'heart-warming' comments that pupils at the nearby school had made

One child said: "The seesaw design is brilliant if you aren’t able to move like me”

Another added: “I could go on a roundabout with my sister who is in a wheelchair”

Once complete, CCTV will also be installed in the area to ensure the equipment is well looked after.

The council’s Community Led Plan aims to make play areas accessible for all and hopes to eventually make all 23 of the ones it manages accessible for children of varying ages and disabilities and it has already refurbished a number in the area.

This includes King George V Play Area , the £80,000 refurbishments of Luna Close and Gaynor Close play parks which finished around December 2021 and Voyager Close.

As part of this £70,000 was allocated from earmarked reserves during budget setting for 2023/2024 for the refurbishment and enhancement of the Trent Road site.