A WINCHESTER play area re-opened over the weekend with new accessible equipment, a mural and toilets.
The play equipment, opposite the skate park at River Park, includes a wheelchair-accessible see-saw and a human hamster wheel as proposed during public consultations.
The re-design forms part of the North Walls Park Plan vision and a five-year play area improvements programme (2020-2025).
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Developers Proludic Ltd recruited the Colour Factory’s Rachael Alexander to paint an ‘eye spy’ mural, for kids to spot the wildlife that might live in the neighbouring River Itchen.
Rachael hopes to add the finishing touches this week, with the play area having opened on Saturday, July 15 following the six-week refurb.
The Winchester artist said: “The designers saw my work online and wanted to use a local artist and we’re next door. It was perfect, it’s been a really nice project to do.
“The mural adds another dimension to the park and incorporates the flora and fauna of the River Itchen which is echoed across the flooring too.
“It’s the right height for kind to find all the creatures. I could hear the excited children through the meshed fencing while I was painting. A lot of children are dying to get in there and used the new equipment.
“I’m going to be painting in there for a couple more days so I’m sure I’ll get lots of questions from the kids. It’s always really nice to work locally and for the community as you get such positive feedback.”
As well as revamping the play area, a new toilet pod has been introduced with three unisex toilets including baby changing and accessible facilities.
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Winchester City Council’s cabinet member for community and engagement, Cllr Kathleen Becker, said: “I'm very excited that the new play area at River Park will be open in time for the school summer holidays. The redevelopment represents the next step in implementing the Park Plan and offers wonderful new opportunities for children and their families to have fun outside this summer in the beautiful green setting.
“The rotating hamster wheel proved a popular request during the engagement process, and I'm sure that lots of children, including my own, will enjoy it over the holidays and for many years to come."
Next up in the council's play area improvement plan will be the King George V park at Bar End, with works set to start early next year.
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