Excitement over new play area as parks can reopen

As play parks were allowed to start reopening at the weekend, the news was especially welcomed in Tangmere.

On Saturday, the most recent addition to the play equipment situated on Tangmere recreation field was formally opened for residents to enjoy.

Over the years many items of play and exercise equipment have been provided on the field and the newest piece of play equipment, a ‘Nexus Altitude 5 Slide’, incorporates climbing, hanging and sliding features.

Funding for the equipment came from Chichester District Council’s Newhomes Bonus for 2019, which is an annual funding programme allocated upon housing numbers built in each village.

While funding was approved in July 2019, and awarded in September last year, the autumn wet weather meant that the build was not scheduled to commence until spring 2020. Covid-19 lockdown further delayed the start, and despite the work being completed in June 2020, government regulation regarding the closure of play equipment was not lifted until Saturday.

Parish council chairman, Andrew Irwin commented: “It was a shame that once completed we had to leave the site fencing around the new equipment until outdoor play equipment was allowed to be used.

“Many younger residents were eager to jump onto the new slide but once the fencing was removed it was soon popular with the local residents. We have provided warning notices making parents and carers aware of the need for safe social distancing and appropriate hygiene standards when using the new equipment and we were pleased to see proper care being taken by all who used the play areas.”

Fellow parish councillor James Stanbridge said: “I’m really thrilled that it is there now. That is exactly what we should be doing and residents can expect to see in the future.”

The new equipment has two multi person decks at different heights, a slide, rope ladder, vertical climbing wall, monkey bars, inclined climbing wall, curved sliding pole, trapeze, thorn climber and bench seat.

Chichester District Council opened its play parks and outdoor fitness equipment at the weekend in line with government advice. Councillor Penny Plant, cabinet member for environment, said: “The safety of those visiting our parks is our top priority, so we have put clear guidance in place at each of our play areas.”