This small area on Ella Road is the last remaining of three local playgrounds constructed in the ‘70’s, when new housing was built in the vicinity. The other two are long gone and the rusting remains of the play equipment at Ella Road was removed years ago.
After years of complaints, from children and adults alike, Green City Action (GCA) have taken on the task of making the playground usable again. The cobbled hump has been removed and part of the area is now asphalted and is heavily used by local youngsters for football. The rest is now cordoned off and awaiting renovation by GCA.
On Saturday the 13th January a number of adults and children attended the latest of a series of consultation events at the playground itself and filled in questionnaires or drew pictures of what they would like to see in the future. Some suggestions:
A communal Zen garden with a gravel play area and raised flower beds.
Priority for children and young people.
Comfortable seating.
Willow tunnels and bushes to hide in.
Brick walls painted with scenery by potential young users.
A neighbour across the road, felt that it would be preferable for area to be totally asphalted for general play rather than planted up, as existing rose and shrub beds nearby are vandalized and not being maintained very well, almost non-productive. Green City Action’s Rob Bullock, said that it would be essential for local residents to maintain the playground once it had been refurbished as their project funding was time limited and there would be no paid staff to look after the playground in future.
Playground equipment is being researched by GCA currently, though at present funding to provide it would have to be sought by residents, if required. (starting price for a climbing frame around £10,000!)
by Saleema Imam
