NINE underused small play parks will be given a new lease of life as communal space for residents. Two other play areas are set to get a makeover as part of Bicester Town council’s refurbishment programme.
The move comes after the Town Council carried out a review of play parks review across the town. A legacy of some recent housing developments saw developers build more smaller play rather than one or two large parks. It meant the many small parks had limited play equipment and were therefore under-used. But they still cost money to maintain.
The council’s review in 2020 identified 12 parks for potential closure and earlier this year it went out to consultation with residents. Options for future uses of the play areas included creating a community garden, community growing area, exercise area, informal space for young people or retaining the park.
Residents were able to have their say via the council’s website, social media and all house holders living near the parks were contacted by letter.
Results from the consultation favoured Germander Way, Woodruff Close, Mullein Road, Foxglove Close, Restharrow Mead, Coltsfoot Leys, Grebe Road, Sanderling Court being turned into communal gardens, and Saffron Close being converted into an Informal Space.
Work to remove the play equipment and flooring will take place in the 2021/2022 financial year and replaced with grass, plants and seating and will cost approximately £24,500.
Residents near parks in Oxlip Leys and Gentian Close voted to retain the parks and these will now be re-opened shortly and in the 2022/23 financial year will get a £20,000 makeover as part of the council’s refurbishment programme.
A decision has not yet been made about the park off Banbury Road.
All play equipment that is removed from parks will be re-used elsewhere.
Council leader Cllr Richard Mould said: “The parks identified in the review were not being used by children, yet the council was spending money maintaining them. We felt the parks could be put to a better use and enjoyed by more members of the community if they were given an alternative use. “We hope the changes will give these parks a new lease of life and help foster community cohesion.”
Last Updated 26 March 2021
