Not One, Not Two, But Three New Reading Playgrounds Open for Play

READING COUNCIL’S ongoing major investment in children’s play areas continues to deliver for communities across Reading.

The Council continues to invest in services and facilities across the town to ensure residents in every part of the borough have great fun, free and accessible play equipment in their local park. Three new and improved playgrounds have opened this year at Westfield Road Recreation Ground, Waterloo Meadows and Rivermead. Numerous play areas across the borough have now benefitted from the council’s million-pound investment in children’s play. A further £462,000 is being invested at Victoria Park play area where work started this month relocating and upgrading the play equipment to create a new, exciting, and accessible play area for children aged between 3 years and 12 years it is anticipated the playground will be open for play Spring 2025.

The new playgrounds are designed to be used by every child in Reading: the Council works closely with the Accessible Play Task and Finish Group to ensure new and upgraded playgrounds include a range of equipment for children of all abilities.

Local residents helped choose the design of the new play areas at Waterloo Meadows on Elgar Road, Westfield Road Recreation Ground  ‘Westfield Rec’ and Victoria Park Play area and the new Rivermead play area complements the new leisure centre and 25-metre, 8-lane main swimming pool, and teaching and diving pool.

Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture Adele Barnett-Ward was joined at Westfield Rec on Friday 11 October with Darran Williamson from Wicksteed Leisure who designed, supplied and installed the exciting and imaginative play area which now has better access and equipment such as an inclusive roundabout, swings, multi-units as well as an updated version of the Rec’s multi-child rocking horse, which has been loved by generations of children. The play area now provides play for both toddlers and children up to the age of 12 years. Wicksteed Leisure have also made a £250 food donation to New Beginnings Reading homeless charity.

Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure, and Culture, said: “Play isn't just about fun; it's fundamental to a child's development. Through play, children learn language skills, emotional regulation, creativity, and social interaction. It helps with problem-solving and boosts self-esteem. Every child deserves a safe and inclusive place to play, which is why our playgrounds are designed to be accessible to children and caregivers with diverse needs.

“The council’s million-pound investment in play means there has never been a better time for families to visit Reading’s playgrounds. Why not take the children to explore a new-to-you play area over half-term? In addition to our three new play areas little ones love the animal springie units at Mapledurham Playing Fields, older children can challenge themselves on the climbing wall at Courage Park, and the accessible Reading-themed mini-golf at Prospect Park is fun for all the family! Details of everything our playgrounds and outdoor spaces have to offer can be found at www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/outdoors”

Play isn’t just limited to younger residents: the recently installed outdoor chess tables at Palmer Park and Prospect Park encourage residents of all ages to come together to meet, learn and play in Reading parks.