Residents Invited to Vote on Design For Emmer Green Play Area

Local residents are being invited to help choose the design for the popular play area at Emmer Green Recreation Ground, as part of the Council’s ongoing major investment in playgrounds across the town.

£350,000 is being invested in Emmer Green Recreation Ground with the play equipment being upgraded to create a new, exciting and accessible play area for children aged between 3 years and 12 years.

Residents can have their say on a shortlist of two possible designs at Have Your Say Today - Emmer Green Playground Consultation - Commonplace

Both designs offer an exciting mix of equipment to ensure the play area is accessible to children and carers using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames and equipment.  

The Emmer Green play area consultation closes on 13 January 2025, with residents encouraged to vote on their favourite design.

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 park is a popular destination with the local community, which is why I’m delighted we’re delivering this significant improvement to facilities for local residents. I very much look forward to hearing what residents think about the designs.

“I’m encouraging local parents, carers and our young residents alike to take a look at these great designs and let us know which one they would most enjoy. Every child deserves a place to play so we will also be consulting with our Accessible Play Task and Finish Group to ensure the new play area provides access for children and carers with mobility and support needs.” 

Once complete, consultation results will be considered and form part of the final selection of the winning design. Other considerations include consultation with the Reading Access and Disabilities Working Group and detailed assessments on value for money and technical competency.

The winning design will be announced at the end of January with work currently planned to begin in the Spring 2025.