Work will be starting next week to improve the play area at Friars Wharf in South Oxford.
There had been feedback from local residents about the lack of equipment for younger children, and a desire to see installation of additional equipment combined with improvements to the overall appearance of the play area to make it more inviting.
The improvements, will see:
- Removal of the large concrete mound, old multi-play climber and slide
- Installation of two new multi-play climbers with slides: one to replace the existing one for older children and one for younger children
- Installation of a swing for younger children and a 3m-tall cone net climber for children of different abilities
- Seating installed in the park
The three existing items of newer play equipment closest to the river will remain in the park.
A project to deliver these improvements has now been made possible following a generous donation by an Oxford resident who wishes to create a legacy in memory of her late daughter.
To reflect this donation, and in memory of the donor's daughter, the newly refurbished play area will become known as Emily's Playground at Friar's Wharf. Additional funding for the project is being provided by Oxford City Council.
The ground work on the playground improvements is being carried out by ODS, and play area specialists, Hags will be installing the new equipment.
During the improvement works, access to the playground will be closed from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 3 July. Access to the multi-use games area/sports cage will remain during this time.
The work is expected to be completed for the summer holidays.
Comment
“I am delighted that works are about to start on the Friars Wharf playground thanks to the generosity of an anonymous private donor. There was really positive feedback in the consultation about the new scheme and it will be finished in time for the summer holidays, ready for children both sides of the river to enjoy.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Planning and Zero Carbon Oxford
