New and improved Ropes on the Rye play area is open

Children used the Easter holidays to make the most of the exciting new Ropes on the Rye play area, which officially opened last week.

Building on the popularity of the old site, the new play area, which sits on the same plot, uses high quality materials designed to improve durability and provide the strongest level of safety. The innovative design also incorporates a range of sensory items including a communications board, to provide more inclusive access for children with additional needs.

The new facilities include:

• A bespoke 'Tree Castle' multi-play unit
• A wheelchair accessible roundabout and linking footpath
• A mini space net
• A track ride tower
• A 'cocowave' swing
• An outdoor calisthenics fitness unit

Many of the new items have been crafted from recycled materials and incorporate features to improve access for all ages and abilities.

After consultation with the local community, Buckinghamshire Council has transformed the outdated play space into an innovative area where children can play, explore and let their imaginations run free. One example is the new Tree Castle which has been designed to include an inclusive access ramp and wide slide, enabling easier play for all.

Clive Harriss, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure visited the play area yesterday (Wednesday 10 April) to mark the official reopening. He was joined by some of the members of the 2nd High Wycombe Brownies, one of the groups which gave feedback as part of the public consultation process.

Speaking at the opening Clive said: "We are delighted that the transformation of The Ropes on the Rye play area is now complete. I'm sure everyone will agree, the new equipment looks fantastic. We know how popular the old play area was and we wanted to take that popularity to the next level by providing an enhanced creative place for children of all ages and abilities to play. It is clear to see that children and families are already enjoying the space, which is wonderful to see."

Clive continued: "We know how important play areas like this are to residents, allowing children to play outdoors in a fun, safe environment for free. This transformation is one of many play area upgrades we have carried out in the past couple of years as part of our continued investment in our parks and open spaces, for the benefit of local communities."