Work starts on revamped Brook Road Open Space playground

Youngsters in Merstham will soon be able to benefit from a new and improved playground at Brook Road Open Space. Work to install the new play equipment is set to start on Monday 8 March 2010 and will be complete just in time for the Easter holidays.

The new playground will feature an exciting range of new equipment catering for toddlers to children aged up to 13, including cradle swings, spring rockers, a multi-play unit with slides, a roundabout, climbing frames, a basket swing, an adventure trail and even a zip wire. The equipment is a mixture of unobtrusive timber and brightly coloured, modern equipment. The improvements also include plenty of new seating, landscaping and footpaths and the play area is wheelchair accessible.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council secured £50,000 funding towards the project last year from the Department for Children Schools and Families’ Playbuilder programme (via Surrey County Council) which aims to provide young people and children with more safe, challenging and exciting play opportunities, particularly for children aged eight to 13. The other £25,000 for the scheme comes from New Growth Points funding.

Cllr Graeme Crome, Merstham Ward Councillor, said: “Children love interesting and exciting playgrounds. The new equipment has a different look to what was in the old playground, giving children a completely new play experience. The new play area promises to be exciting for its young visitors whilst giving parents peace of mind that their children are playing in a safe environment. I know that youngsters in the area get a lot of enjoyment from the new facilities.”

The design of the playground was drawn up following consultation with the local community last October. Then last month, local school children were asked to choose their favourite design from the three shortlisted schemes, with Wicksteed’s design winning the youngsters’ vote.

The new playground will replace the existing one at the north end of Brook Road Open Space, by Malmestone Avenue. Contractors from Wicksteed will be on site from Monday 8 March to remove the old playground equipment and start installing the new.