New-look playground a '˜big hit' following £40,000 facelift

A new-look play area in Washington has been hailed a '˜big hit' following a £40,000 facelift.
David Whyberd vice chairman of Washington Parish Council helped open the new-look playground. Picture: Steve RobardsDavid Whyberd vice chairman of Washington Parish Council helped open the new-look playground. Picture: Steve Robards
David Whyberd vice chairman of Washington Parish Council helped open the new-look playground. Picture: Steve Robards

The playground, in School Lane, Washington, was formally opened by Washington Parish Council last Wednesday following works to replace equipment.

Council clerk Zoe Savill said: “The total cost of the project was £40,800 gross with just over £28,605 awarded by Horsham District Council from section 106 funds (developers’ contributions earmarked for improvement to community/leisure facilities in the parish.

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“The rest was made by the parish council/residents through the precept.”

David Whyberd, vice chairman of Washington Parish Council, with Maddie Woolgar, 10, (left) and Beau Harris, 5, (right). Picture: Steve RobardsDavid Whyberd, vice chairman of Washington Parish Council, with Maddie Woolgar, 10, (left) and Beau Harris, 5, (right). Picture: Steve Robards
David Whyberd, vice chairman of Washington Parish Council, with Maddie Woolgar, 10, (left) and Beau Harris, 5, (right). Picture: Steve Robards

Work on the play area was carried out by HAGS-SMP Ltd – a Surrey-based playground/leisure contractor – over a three week period.

The work started on March 6 and was completed on Friday, April 7, before the formal handover last Wednesday.

Ms Savill added: “The playground was looking tired and a few years ago, before my time as clerk, some former parish councillors got together and carried out a survey with local parents and children to see what they would like instead.

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“All but one item of play equipment – the junior swings – were replaced with brand new equipment for younger and older juniors, also new gates, fencing and play surface area.

Washington's new-look play area has been completed following a £40,000  facelift. Picture: Steve RobardsWashington's new-look play area has been completed following a £40,000  facelift. Picture: Steve Robards
Washington's new-look play area has been completed following a £40,000 facelift. Picture: Steve Robards

“The target age is ideally two to 12 years. It’s a complete overhaul.

“Judging by the comments from parents this morning, and enthusiasm from the children, the playground is a big hit.”

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David Whyberd, vice chairman of Washington Parish Council, with Maddie Woolgar, 10, (left) and Beau Harris, 5, (right). Picture: Steve RobardsDavid Whyberd, vice chairman of Washington Parish Council, with Maddie Woolgar, 10, (left) and Beau Harris, 5, (right). Picture: Steve Robards
David Whyberd, vice chairman of Washington Parish Council, with Maddie Woolgar, 10, (left) and Beau Harris, 5, (right). Picture: Steve Robards

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