Seven new pieces of play equipment are to replace worn out swings and roundabouts are to be installed at Hove Lagoon playground starting today.
The facelift comes as the council urges people to have their say in a consultation on how the city’s parks and open spaces should be run in the face of swingeing cuts.
More than 1750 people have already taken part in the survey, which asks people which aspects of Brighton and Hove’s parks they value the most, and whether they would support alternative solutions, such as swapping swings for easier to maintain play sculptures.
In a video released to encourage people to take part, Denise Taylor, chair of City in Bloom says: “We should be under no illusion that our open spaces, our playgrounds, our city parks are all under threat. Due to budget restrictions, lack of resources, the council are going to have to be very creative about how they maintain these parks in future.
“We’re talking about our central small parks where you might take a child for a push on a swing, where you might walk a dog, where you might have a quick jog, where you might just sit and be – and read a book. Everything, every single area in the open spaces sector is going to be affected.
“And the council are putting it out there for us to get involved. We must get involved, for the solution, for the way forward. And hopefully they’ll listen to what we have to say. And anybody that’s passionate about their local space must get involved.”
At Hove Lagooon, the play area will be updated with new swings, a seating carousel, pirate multi-unit, boat unit and rocking springers, and will replace older equipment.
Three new accessible recycled plastic picnic benches with extended tops to allow wheelchair access will also be installed.
The refurbishment, due to finish by the end of October or early November, will also include surface repairs and work to the existing sandpit.
Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of the council’s Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee, said: “Hove Lagoon has always been a big attraction for children and families. These improvements will make the play park even more appealing for its many visitors.
“The addition of wheelchair accessible benches also means wheelchair users will find visiting the park a far more comfortable and pleasurable experience.”
The playground will be partially closed during the works with some other areas remaining fenced off for a few weeks after re-opening to protect new turf.
The future of the city’s parks and open spaces is currently under discussion as part of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Big Conversation.
To take part and have your say, click here.
Paper copies of the consultation are also available and the deadline is October 28.
What is going on with all that overpriced second hand trampolines and bouncy castle that has appeared there and awful painted wall, looks like a junk yard. Love the sailing and water sport.