PLAYGROUNDS
Well played
It is play time across the borough this spring , with all kinds of fun play areas to explore . Some playgrounds have been given a makeover and a new one has been created on the site of an old RAF radio station .
Our borough is known for its wonderful open spaces and , with around 120 playgrounds of various shapes and sizes dotted throughout the borough , there is something for every child to enjoy .
Ealing Council has been refreshing a number of its playgrounds over the last few years . Recent openings include the new play areas for all ages in Walpole Park and the adventure play structure in Northala Fields .
However , money is being spent on revamping some of the smaller playgrounds , too , and creating an entirely new one . n Adventurous play : Northala Fields in Northolt . This has a range of wooden equipment on a mound which makes it seem high-up and feel more challenging to climb and explore n Play for all : Walpole Park , Ealing . There is something for all ages , including water play for the first time in the borough . It is a water-efficient system using a small amount of water for maximum effect to avoid waste n For older children : Acton Park ’ s £ 100,000 transformation of its playground makes use of the timber from four oak trees that had to be felled in the park anyway . An artist will be working with children to calve some sculptures into the timber this
Acton Park ( inset : Walpole Park )
spring . Large timber towers and walkways have replaced the old metal equipment and are designed to encourage imaginative and adventurous play . n Traditional play : Islip Manor Park in Northolt . A £ 70,000 makeover has introduced a large tower slide made from timber , a rope pyramid for climbing and ride-on springers for smaller children . n New playground : Families living close to Woodend Wireless recreation ground in Northolt will soon be able to enjoy a brand new play trail with balance beams , climbing nets , a slide and a wobbly jetty . The £ 35,000 project on the green space around the old RAF station will complement the apple orchard that was planted there last spring , creating even more of a focal point and resource for the local community .
Visit www . ealing . gov . uk / parks for more information .
14 around ealing Spring 2017