WORCESTER City Council has outlined the play improvement projects it intends to complete over the next 12 months, as part of its Worcester Play Plan.
The Play Plan was implemented three years ago and sets out how the Council will improve outdoor play provision to meet the needs of all children and young people.
Achievements delivered as part of the Play Plan in the last year include refurbishing damaged equipment at Field Walk and Old Tolladine Road play areas, and the installation of a half-court basketball at Cripplegate Park.
The Plan’s priorities for the forthcoming 12 months were presented at Monday night’s Worcester City Council Place and Economic Development Committee.
All the projects will be funded through planning-related developer contributions, with restrictions in place about where and what the money can be used for.
Power Park, in the St Peter’s area of Worcester, will be given a complete makeover as part of a £307,000 redevelopment project. A unique design will be created, incorporating new play equipment in the natural landscape features.
The local community will also be invited to participate in artwork projects for the area and planting at the park.
During May and June, members of the public and key stakeholders will be invited to help shape the future of Power Park by giving their views on what play equipment should be installed.
Construction work is planned to take place towards the end of 2026, with the new play area opening in spring 2027.
The play areas at Horizon Hub, Ronkswood Hub and Medway Road will also receive improvements as part of a £331,000 project.
Residents are currently being invited to share their ideas for these sites in a pubic consultation which runs until Friday 6 February.
Feedback can be submitted at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit, with the council aiming to complete those improvements in time for the summer.
Proposals for Horizon Hub on Midland Road include extending the current play area, incorporating natural play features around a mature sycamore tree, replacing toddler equipment nearing the end of its lifespan, and creating a new access point to the playground from Stanley Road.
At Medway Road, the council’s five-year Play Plan identified a lack of facilities for older children. The new proposals aim to address this gap while also introducing natural play elements.
Planned improvements at Ronkswood Hub include resurfacing the junior play area, replacing the surrounding log edging, installing natural play features in the toddler section, adding a roundabout, and installing a new secure fence.
A new destination pump track is currently under construction at Perdiswell Leisure Centre as part of the Play Plan. The track is expected to open in April, subject to weather conditions.
Coun Hannah Cooper, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council’s place and economic development committee said: “Our Play Plan is about making sure children and young people across Worcester have access to inclusive places to play.
“Consultation with the public plays an important role in shaping the future of our play areas. Thank you to everyone who has already responded to our consultations on Horizon Hub, Ronkswood Hub and Medway Road play areas.”
