Work has started on an exciting and long-awaited play area in Bunbury.
Jubilee Playing Fields on Hurst Close is being transformed into the home of a new natural playground and recreational area.
Facilities will include play and fitness equipment for people of all ages and abilities, a zipwire and a 420m multi-purpose running track, which will link to major footpaths in the village to encourage people to walk through the fields.
Runners and wheelchair-users alike will be able to use the track, as well as fans of organised keep-fit activities such as buggy fit, boot camps, running clubs for children, and ‘stroll and stretch’ classes for older people.
The aging play equipment next to the car park will be removed and replaced with new play features in a safer location.
Bunbury Jubilee Playing Fields Committee are leading the £230,000 project jointly with Bunbury Parish Council.
Chair of the playground committee Beth Hayward said: “We are delighted that work is starting.
“The new facility will promote healthy and active lifestyles for the whole community.
“It will enable children to play in a safe, inspiring and natural playground and will increase the use of the playing fields by people of all ages and physical abilities.”
Funding sources include the local community, which raised an impressive £50,000 towards the work, and the Veolia Environmental Trust, which awarded a grant of £79,680 through the Landfill Communities Fund.
WREN is funding the running track.
Paul Taylor, executive director of the Veolia Environmental Trust, added: “This project is a great example of how the Landfill Communities Fund can help create spaces which bring people together and encourage them to enjoy outdoor exercise.
“I look forward to seeing the completed play and recreational area being used and enjoyed.”
Work is expected to be complete in February 2016.
