Kintbury playground has been spruced up following fundraising project

A CHILDREN’S playground has re-opened following a major facelift.

The improvements were undertaken by Kintbury Parish Council, acting as trustee of the Gladstone Memorial Recreation Ground.

Council vice chairman Jon Hemphill said: “The parish council were conscious that much of the playground equipment was looking tired and was becoming expensive to repair, the ground surface required improvement to ensure the playground could be accessed in all weathers and that there was a requirement to install accessible play equipment so all children could utilise the facilities.

“On canvassing users we also understood that new benches and a picnic table would be useful.”

The council therefore launched a fundraising drive via The Good Exchange aiming to raise £90,000.

Mr Hemphill added: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of people and organisations in contributing to the project in such a short space of time.

“As well as dozens of contributions from parishioners, West Berkshire Council, the Greenham Trust and the Miss Lawrence Trust have been very generous indeed.

“We’re very grateful for all these contributions – they really have made a huge difference to the project and, by extension, our community.”

He went on: “Kintbury Parish Council have invested heavily in the recreation ground the last few years, be that a new car park, support to the sports clubs, general smartening up and, of course, the playground.

“This superb community asset is celebrating its centenary this year – I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have so kindly contributed to this project and we hope that many children from the parish, and visitors to the parish, spend many happy hours enjoying the slides, climbing frames, swings and other new equipment.”