Stevenage Borough Council’s play area refurbishment programme has taken an exciting step forward, with £455,000 being spent on refurbishments to seven of the sites.

Earlier this year, the council asked local residents and children the top five items of play equipment they would most like to see in the new designs. Over 250 children helped to decide on what should be integrated into each, and new equipment will include trampolines, a group swing and activity trails. The council also worked with Make Space for Girls and will be incorporating lots of innovative and social fun hang out spaces for girls to enjoy, particularly at Canterbury Way Playing Field, which is possible due to its size.

The council is now working with suppliers who will be delivering the new play areas. Works to the following locations are due to take place in mid-June, with the aim of having these open in early July:

• Canterbury Way Playing Field
• Lapwing Rise
• Shearwater Close
• Parishes Mead
• Camps Hill

Work to Riccat Lane and Chancellors Road play areas are due to start in mid-July, with the aim of them being open in early August. Town Centre Gardens play area is also due to re-open in September.

Councillor Simon Speller, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said:

“We know how important play areas are to young people and families in the local community, which is why it’s excellent news that we have been able to invest in and update some of our most popular sites in recent years. Local children have helped to shape the refurbishments by sharing their views on what they’d most like to see.

“We’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while the play areas are closed whilst the work is carried out. Keep an eye on the council’s website and social media for updates on when the sites will officially be re-opening.”