A new play area worth approximately £125,000 is set to be installed at Rice Lane Recreation Ground in Walton, Liverpool. The project will feature more than 37 pieces of equipment, including slides, climbing frames, and swings, with capacity for 42 users.
Community Involvement and Funding
Five play area suppliers submitted designs for the new equipment, and residents participated in a community consultation event to express their preferences. The contract is half-funded by insurance money from the previous equipment, with the remainder coming from new investment.
Inclusive Design
One of the standout features is a swing with an open design and generous seating space, allowing children of all abilities to enjoy it, unlike a typical single-user swing seat. The equipment list also includes an Aktivezone circuit climber, an open half pod shelter, and a modular 2.4-metre-high swing with a turtle shell nest seat and two large flat seats.
Councillor's Statement
Walton's Labour councillor Sam East praised the efforts to secure investment and highlighted ongoing work to further secure the area. He said: "We are very grateful to the brilliant Infrastructure Project Manager in the Parks team who has helped us deliver this, as well as the new equipment in Walton Hall Park and of course Kyle's area in the Rose Garden, in the last few years. I hope residents agree the designs justify this effort."
Installation and Security Measures
An installation date has yet to be confirmed, but Councillor East stated there is "no reason to expect this to take very long." Addressing concerns about potential damage, he added: "I hope residents appreciate that you can't eliminate this risk entirely but neither is this a good reason not to invest in our children. Here are some of the steps we have taken. We have asked at every opportunity that these risks be 'designed out' (ie - that the designs are fire-resistant and less breakable). We have CCTV coverage via the citywatch camera on the footpath from Whitfield Rd to Birchdale Rd, which is networked into cameras nearby."
There are also plans to secure the Whitfield Rd gate from vehicle access, along with considerations for lighting near the CCTV camera.
