New Emmer Green Playground Open For Play

In time for the summer holidays local children are discovering the fun to be had at Reading’s newest transformed playground.

The upgraded Emmer Green play area has opened thanks to a £350,000 investment by Reading Borough Council. The exciting and accessible play area is for children aged between 3 years and 12 years.

Installation of the new playground by Wicksteed Ltd was selected as part of a tender process earlier this year. It includes an exciting mix of equipment, including equipment accessible to all ages and mobility levels. It also has a new surface to enable access for children and carers using mobility aids.

The new equipment offers fun and challenge for children of all abilities and includes swings, toddler and junior multi play units, play panels, accessible spring rides and a mini ball court.

It forms part of the Council’s ongoing investment in fun, free and accessible play equipment at local parks across the town. In the last 12 months Albert Road tennis courts, Oxford Road Recreation Ground new gym unit, Victoria Park, Westfield Road Recreation Ground and Waterloo Meadows play areas were all transformed, and a new skate park opened at John Rabson Recreation Ground.

Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “Outdoor play is essential for children’s health and wellbeing, so investment in improved play facilities is always money well spent. Emmer Green playground is a much-loved and popular destination with the local community, so I am delighted to deliver this fantastic new playground. It has been wonderful to see children enjoying the new equipment during the summer holidays.”

“Every child deserves a place to play, and all our new play areas are designed to be used by every child in Reading with high-quality equipment that is as accessible as possible for all children and their carers. I am grateful to the Accessible Play Task and Finish Group for helping to ensure that Reading’s new playgrounds are fun for everyone. I would also like to thank the residents who take the time to respond to our playground consultations. Your input ensures that each play area is tailored to the community it serves.”