The new play park which is to close for five months Wokingham Borough Council
The new adventure playground at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst has proved so popular that it needs to close for five months over the winter for essential maintenance.
Thanks to recent improvements by Wokingham Borough Council, Dinton Pastures County Park in Hurst has seen more and more people regularly visiting and enjoying the range of activities on offer.
And, the country park was recently awarded a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence following the opening of its new nature play space. It is also a winner in this year’s British Association of Landscape Industries awards and has been short-listed for the national final later this year.
This summer saw many families from across the Wokingham Borough, and wider, enjoying the play space which features giant nest towers – the tallest being just under four metres – swinging hanging logs, zip wires, funnel net trap, play bridge and troll holes, giant climbing logs, willow maze, storytelling area and a woodland obstacle course. The woodland picnic areas have been packed out all summer and children and young people have been enjoying adventures in the den-building structures.
The popularity of the play space has resulted in some wear and tear, which now needs to be repaired in time for next year’s season. Before the winter weather grips, the council needs to re-sow seeds for grass to grow again in certain parts of the play space. Seeds need to mature between November and March meaning the play space will not be open during this time.
Cllr Angus Ross, executive member for environment, said: “I’m delighted the play area has been such a success and proved so popular since it opened earlier this year. It is one of the many improvements we have made to the country park, making it a local destination of choice for a family-fun day out.
“We need essential maintenance in time for the start of next season so everyone can enjoy the play space next year. I understand there may be some disappointment about this news but winter is the best time of year to do this. I’d like to remind visitors that there are plenty of great things to do elsewhere in the country park during the winter season, including wonderful refreshments in the Dragonfly Café.”
More: Read Xn’s expert review of the play park
Last modified on Friday, 10 October 2014 10:52
