Rundown Redbourn play area to be regenerated
Deputy Mayor of St Albans Brian Gibbard stands in East Common Playground in Redbourn with local children before its gets demolished - Credit: Archant
A worn-out children’s playground is being transformed with thousands of pounds worth of equipment to ring in the New Year.
Work began on Monday to revamp the 20-year-old Redbourn play area, which is set to open this spring with an improved slide, a climbing frame, and disability-friendly swings.
The East Common Project spent 2011 and 2012 consulting with children in the local area, as well as parents of children with special needs, to redesign the space on the common.
New safety surfacing and a fresh gravel path will be laid to improve access to the area and a “much-needed” shelter for local families is to be built, which is being designed and constructed in partnership with Oaklands College.
Parish councillor Nadia Davies said: “The local volunteers have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality and we cannot wait to see this play area complete – we are so excited.
“This area will provide a much needed all-family area for local Redbourn residents.
“At the moment there are limited opportunities for children with special needs or limited abilities to play in Redbourn.
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“Our scheme incorporates equipment they can use, as well as providing a bonded path to the area suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.”
Veolia Environmental Trust gave £40,000 to the project through their Landfill Communities Fund, while other contributers included the parish council which donated £14,050 and the Redbourn Care Group which provided £10,000.
Paul Taylor, executive director of the Veolia Environmental Trust, said: “It is great that work is starting today. Play spaces such as this provide children and young people with valuable opportunities to meet up, interact, have fun and exercise outdoors.
“I look forward to seeing this great new play area complete and being used and enjoyed.”
