Rain doesn’t stop celebrations at revamped play area

Rain didn’t dampen spirits at the opening of a revamped Stroud District Council play area in Dursley.

The playground in Cambridge Avenue has been upgraded and extended and now has a new surface and new multi-use piece of equipment made using recycled materials.

And although the official opening was marked by rain, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the most important guests – local children who continued to play despite the downpour.

The play area is one of six throughout the district to be revamped by Stroud District Council. Five - Acacia Drive and Cambridge Avenue in Dursley, Wharfdale Way in Stonehouse, Archway Gardens in Paganhill and Mason Road in Stroud – are now complete and were funded by £300,000 of Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) for local authorities in England to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and support local public health. SDC is contributing its own funds to improve Stratford Park’s play area in Stroud.

All the play areas were redesigned in consultation with local communities which had the final say on the designs.

A further £150,000 has been earmarked for investment in more play area revamps in 2024/25, as well.

Stroud District Council Housing Chair Mattie Ross, SDC Ward Councillors Doina Cornell and Loraine Patrick, officers and Dursley Town Council Mayor attended the opening, and chatted to parents and guardians about the improved site.

“The fact that the children continued to play on the new equipment despite the rain was testament to how valuable it is,” said Cllr Ross. “Increasing the number, accessibility, and quality of play areas and outside spaces within the district is a commitment in our Council Plan,” said Councillor Ross.

Cllr Beki Aldam, Chair of SDC Community Services & Licensing Committee added “I’m particularly pleased that all the new play equipment is made with recycled materials, supporting our plan for sustainability and tackling the climate emergency.”

Dursley Town Mayor Cllr Alex Stennett said “I’m really grateful to SDC for all of the work they have put into the Cambridge Avenue play park. Seeing all the kids having fun on some new play equipment is wonderful.”

One of the council’s three main priorities is Community Resilience and Wellbeing, and play areas are vital for the health and wellbeing of young children and their families. Equipment which is fun and fit for purpose is being installed in areas which were identified in a survey as being in the greatest need.