Families in Keynsham can look forward to a major new play area at Memorial Park, with work expected to begin in mid-September.
The upper play area will be transformed with modern equipment designed for children of different ages and abilities, including the first bespoke climbing wall of its kind in Bath and North East Somerset.
Designed specifically for the park, the climbing wall will allow children to climb sideways as well as upwards. A large rope swing will also offer space for several children to swing and play together, while an inclusive carousel will include wheelchair space so children of different abilities can enjoy it side by side.
New play mounds, including a tunnel feature, will provide further opportunities for climbing, adventure and imaginative play. The park’s popular existing slide will remain, with new surfaces and improved pathways making it cleaner, safer and easier to access.
The improvements are being delivered jointly by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Keynsham Town Council following public consultation. Landscape architects have drawn up the final design, with specialist play provider Wicksteed due to carry out the work.
Construction is expected to take up to 12 weeks.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Sustainable B&NES, said, “Our parks are wonderful spaces where children can play and communities can connect. The new play area at Keynsham Memorial Park is particularly exciting because it has been shaped by local feedback and will create a more inclusive place where children of all ages and abilities can have fun.
“We’re committed to investing in our parks and green spaces because they play an important role in improving physical and mental health.”
Councillor Andy Wait, Chair of Keynsham Town Council, said the council was delighted to see the project moving forward, adding that Memorial Park was one of Keynsham’s most popular green spaces.
He said, “Some of the new equipment will give even more youngsters the opportunity to play, explore and have fun together. We look forward to seeing families enjoy the new play area for many years to come.”
The new play area in Keynsham comes in addition to Bath & North East Somerset Council’s ongoing parks play equipment replacement programme across the district. Major refurbishments have already taken place at Loxton Drive, Calton Road, Burnt House Road and Weston Recreation Ground in Bath, as well as resurfacing at Sydney Gardens and upgrades at Royal Victoria Park.
Further improvements are due this autumn at
- Vandyck Avenue in Keynsham,
- Staddlestones Park in Midsomer Norton,
- Woodborough Road in Radstock,
- Corston View,
- Pennyquick Park,
- Lymore Gardens,
- Moorlands Recreation Ground in Bath.
