Huge investment in play areas completed

This programme was our most ambitious piece of work ever to improve open spaces and encourage healthy lives and exercise for children.

In total 63 new pieces of play equipment have been installed to replace older, more dated equipment. The new items include:

• 15 slides
• 14 see-saws
• 10 swings
• Eight modern multi-use play units with contemporary features
• Four roundabouts

Almost a kilometre of new fencing has been installed, further enhancing the safety of the play areas and 12 sites have had new surfaces laid. There are multiple sites where every piece of equipment has been removed and replaced. These include:

• £100,000 of improvements at Manorcroft Park Play Area in Egham,
• £80,000 of improvements each at Chertsey Rec, Pooley Green Rec, Hythe Park and Englefield Green,
• £69,000 of improvements at Middlesex Court play area in Addlestone, and
• £60,000 at King George V play area in Virginia Water.

Cllr Abby King, Chair of the Council’s Community Services Committee visited Manorcrofts Park Play Area to see the new equipment there first hand.

Cllr King said: “It’s a pleasure to see the bright new play equipment in so many of our play areas – this will be a real boost for families up and down Runnymede and is a significant investment in our communities.

“It’s common knowledge that some play areas needed upgrading, and I’m proud that the Council has been able to pull together money to do what it can in many different areas, from Egham and Englefield Green to Addlestone.

“I hope children will make the most of the new slides, swings and roundabouts we’ve brought in. I can say too that going forward we will make sure these and all our play areas are proactively maintained to the standards local families expect.

“Play areas are one of the best ways for young children to develop their confidence, and to get their exercise so I would absolutely encourage mums, dads and grandparents to visit their nearest site and test out the new equipment.”

Cllr King added: “It’s particularly pleasing that some of these improvements were funded by developers who have built new homes and buildings in the borough. The Council spends its available budgets very carefully. Drawing in money big firms have to pay when they carry out construction work has helped reduce the cost to taxpayers.”

We've posted before and after photos from several of the updated play areas on our Facebook page.

The programme was made possible by careful financial management by Council staff, and included £203,000 from developers. In addition, £165,000 of grant money paid to the Council by Government to help communities re-establish themselves after the Covid-19 pandemic has also been used.

The Council’s Corporate Business Plan includes a strong focus on creating an environment which benefits the health and wellbeing of local people of all ages, with a specific strategy dedicated to this area. The improvement of so many of our play areas is a prime example of this strategy delivering for local people. Experts also highlight the importance of play in reducing inequalities among children and in supporting the development and socialisation of children at an early age.