The £228,000 investment programme by South Norfolk Council to create safer, more inclusive and engaging spaces for children and young people across the district, has been supported by the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Earlier this year, residents were invited to help shape the improvements by voting for their preferred designs at eight play areas. Hundreds of people took part in the consultation, helping to ensure the new facilities reflect the needs and preferences of local communities.

Cabinet Member, Councillor Kim Carsok, said:

It’s fantastic to see so many residents taking the time to share their views. Play areas are an important part of our communities and it’s vital that the improvements reflect what residents want.

“It’s even better to now see many of the new facilities open and being enjoyed by local families. The feedback we received has helped us create welcoming spaces where children can play, explore and have fun. We have also placed a strong focus on accessibility, ensuring every refurbished site includes inclusive equipment so that more children can enjoy these spaces together.”

New play equipment has now been installed at Whispering Oaks in Wymondham, Appletree Lane in Roydon, and both Admiral's Way and Ullswater Drive in Hethersett. The Council has also completed surfacing improvements at Summer Close in Framingham Earl and Tulip Tree Drive in Poringland, with improvements at Hudson Avenue in Trowse completed earlier in the year. Alongside the new play equipment, biodiversity enhancements are being introduced at Whispering Oaks in Wymondham and Knyvett Green in Ashwellthorpe.

These improvements include changes to grass-cutting regimes, wildflower planting and the planting of new trees to encourage wildlife and enhance the environment. New interpretation boards are currently being prepared and will be installed over the next few weeks. These will explain the changes to site management, highlight local species residents can look out for and include a QR code offering tips on how people can support nature at home.

The upgraded facilities are already proving popular, with the new play areas attracting plenty of visitors since opening. Work on the remaining sites will begin after the summer holidays, with completion expected by the end of September, weather conditions permitting.

The remaining locations are, Chestnut Road, Tasburgh, Ensign Way, Diss, Filbert Road, Loddon and Knyvett Green in Ashwellthorpe. The sites included in the resident consultation were Admiral's Way (Hethersett), Appletree Lane (Roydon), Chestnut Road (Tasburgh), Ensign Way (Diss), Filbert Road (Loddon), Knyvett Green (Ashwellthorpe), Ullswater Drive (Hethersett) and Whispering Oaks (Wymondham).

Once complete, the programme will have delivered modern, high-quality play facilities across South Norfolk, giving children and families more opportunities to play, be active and spend time outdoors close to home.

Parish councils interested in funding for new playgrounds or for upgrading existing facilities can now apply for support through the Council’s Community Action Fund (CAF) and Community Facilities Grant (CFG), with applications open until 16 August. For more information, visit the Council's website.