Horizon Hub and Ronkswood Hub play areas are being reshaped over the coming weeks and are set to be completed by 17 July, in readiness for the start of the school summer holidays.
The work follows consultation with residents, who were invited to share their ideas and priorities for the parks earlier this year.
The investment at Ronkswood Hub will expand play opportunities and improve accessibility for all users:
- New features for toddlers will include a storytelling/fairytale area and a stage for children to practice imaginative performances and to enjoy creative play.
- There will be additional seating, a roundabout, seesaw and chalkboard. New safety surfacing will also be laid.
- Some of the existing equipment for older children, such as the zip wire, will be retained and refurbished.
- New equipment will include a new social swing area, hexagonal climbing blocks, stepping posts, somersault bars and an inclusive net hammock.
- Following resident consultation, the design also includes improved accessibility and tree planting. Existing bark and log edging will also be replaced with a safer and soft play surface.
The improvements at Horizon Hub will make the most of the available green space, while creating an inclusive environment for all users:
- The design extends the play area down the grass embankment to Stanley Road, along with the creation of a new pedestrian entrance.
- The new embankment play area will include a double-width slide, scramble net and wildflower garden.
- Some of the existing play equipment, including the toddler and junior climbing frames and the youth shelter, will be retained. New additions will include a ground-level trampoline, see-saw, a play spinner, a tree seat and an exciting range of swings, including an inclusive basket swing.
Both play areas will also have picture communication boards installed in convenient locations to support non-verbal children and adults.
The scheme will improve play opportunities for children of all ages in line with the Worcester Play Plan, while ensuring the parks remains safe, welcoming and accessible for years to come. It is part of investment of £331,000 is being made by Worcester City Council, to transform three play parks for children of all ages in Worcester (the third park being Medway Road). The scheme is being funded through planning-related developer contributions and are being organised by Worcester City Council.