Playbuilder park opened for half-term

Date:  18 February 2010

Despite flurries of snow descending at the new Barton Way play area, local children and families flocked to the official opening by the Chairman of Three Rivers District Council and the Chairman of Croxley Green Parish Council on Monday, 15th February.

Councillors joined local primary schools pupils at the launch of the new site in Croxley Green, the first in Hertfordshire to be completed under the national Playbuilder programme to improve the quality of community play spaces.

The project, jointly funded by Three Rivers District Council (£140,000), Croxley Green Parish Council (£20,000) and the Department of Children Schools and Families' national Playbuilder (£52,000) programme through Hertfordshire County Council, has proved a roaring success with children in Croxley.

Extensive community involvement has helped to shape the new space, which includes a giant jungle climbing structure, swings, sand play area, trampoline, aerial runway and seating in and around the play area.

Also officially launched was the third adult outdoor gym to be installed in the district, following positive feedback about the existing sites at Leavesden Country Park and the Aquadrome’s Ebury Park play area.

Leisure and Community Portfolio Holder, Councillor Chris Whately-Smith, said:

"As the first Playbuilder park to be launched in Hertfordshire we hope that the Barton Way play area will set a new high standard for community spaces in Three Rivers and the wider area.

The finished park is a direct result of a successful partnership between councils and the local community."

Committee member of the Croxley Green Residents Association member, Amanda Mackie, said:

"The play area has been a great success for Croxley. It’s fantastic to see the new park constantly in use with children enjoying themselves."

If you would like to get to grips with the new facilities look out for our second launch event for families in May.

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More information about all Parks and Open Spaces in in Three Rivers can be found here.