Three children's play areas in Kingston upon Thames have re-opened with brand new features as part of a million-pound scheme to improve the borough's parks.

Sir Francis Barker Recreation Ground, RAF Chessington Playground and Athelstan Recreation Ground have all been revamped over the past three months, with details of their completion announced by Kingston Council last Friday (11 June)

Improvements to the play areas include:

- a new wooden robinia climbing frame for Sir Francis Barker play area

- a new footpath connecting the playground to the main pathways to improve accessibility, RAF Chessington playground

Reacting to the news, Councillor Stephanie Archer, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainable Transport at Kingston Council said: "It's been a tremendously tough year for everyone and we're thrilled to have completed three more playground makeovers in time for summer."

She added: "During the pandemic, going outside to enjoy open spaces for fresh air, to connect with nature, to play and for exercise has been extremely important to our residents and we are committed to continuing to invest in our green spaces.

"We hope the new play areas bring some joy to families across Chessington and Kingston Town, but please do ensure you enjoy them safely by continuing to follow the COVID-19 guidelines in place."

The work was funded by the Council's Community Parks Programme , a £1.3 million Council scheme to improve and enhance parks in the borough.

11 playgrounds in Kingston upon Thames have been upgraded as part of the programme, which began in 2018.

The Council said: "As part of our ongoing work to improve and enhance our green spaces, we are investing £1.3 million in our borough's parks.

"This programme will help improve accessibility in our parks and playgrounds, with the introduction of new entrance points, paths, playground and gym equipment."

Details of the next stage of the programme are set to be confirmed later this month.

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