New playgrounds in Cubbington ready in time for easing of restrictions

Over the past 12 months Cubbington Parish Council has worked with contractors and funding bodies to have new play equipment installed at the Austen Court and Recreation Ground parks in the village.

The parish council has said: "The old equipment was dated, tired, broken and had failed safety checks. The play areas were boring and didn’t inspire creative play for the children eager to use them.

"At the start of the project the children from Cubbington Church of England Primary School and Our Lady & St Teresas Catholic School were consulted to gather their views and ideas on the type of equipment they would like to see installed and use.

"The Parish Council was eager to create two areas that were exciting for the children of the parish and their families to use and enjoy.

"Several contractors were invited to tender for the installation of the equipment based on the brief created from the children’s ideas.

"The cost of the two projects totalled £120,000, grant funds were secured from the Groundworks Community Fund to a total of £75,000.

"Without this grant funding the project would not have been able to go ahead.

"The Parish Council is keen to point out that they do not support the work carried out by HS2 which has devasted the Cubbington and neighbouring areas.

"However, it was keen to 'take something back' for Cubbington.

"The playground at Austen Court is very close the HS2 line and the skyline has been damaged by the removal of a vast area of woodland.

"Work continues on the two areas with planting of trees in Austen Court to act as a buffer to the new HS2 track.

"Trees will also be planted in the Recreation Ground obtained from the Woodland Trust.

"A new path is being constructed around the perimeter of the Recreation Ground to ensure that the area is inclusive for all.

"The ground becomes boggy in wet weather.

"The new path will allow less ambulant members of the Parish, families with pushchairs and wheelchair users to access the Recreation Ground all year round.

"We have also installed new benches so people can stop and rest.

"The next phase of the project is to continue the path all the way around the perimeter of the ground and install a Sensory Garden.

"This will include areas for children and people with additional needs to come, sit and enjoy the ground."

Funding is being sought to enable this project to continue.

Ideas for funding and donations to the project are welcome.

Contact the clerk on [email protected]The grand opening of the two playgrounds has been delayed due to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19, but once these are lifted this will be held.