Two play areas, one in Bedford Park and another in Jubilee Park officially reopened this week (Wednesday) after long delays, since being closed for refurbishment and upgrades.
The parks were closed in April as part of a £500,000 investment from Bedford Borough Council in play areas across the Borough.
The council said they’d be opened in time for the school summer holidays but only opened this week, with little over two weeks left before children return to school.
Despite multiple questions to the council as to why the park reopenings were delayed, we have not received a response.
Read: Council announces half a million pound investment in Bedford Borough play areas
New themes for the parks
Bedford Park has been given a fairy tale theme and includes a toddler and junior zone, alongside a magical enchanted forest area providing creative play.
It also has a new sensory picnic area, with accessible benches and sensory play features. It is located on the eastern side of Bedford Park, near the lake.
The Jubilee Park play area features new play equipment such as a seafaring play unit, see-saw, hammock, wheelchair-accessible roundabout and trampoline.
It also has improved accessibility and includes inclusive equipment, so more children can enjoy the new sea-themed space.
Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: “We’re investing heavily in our play areas because we want to make sure that Bedford Borough is a great place to grow up.
“We’ve focused on improving and refurbishing the equipment in the play areas as well as enhancing accessibility by installing inclusive equipment and sensory spaces so that all children and young people are able to enjoy these exciting new play areas.
“The newly refurbished play areas are a great opportunity to get outside and spend some time together with friends and family.”
Cllr Ben Foley (Green, Castle) also commented on the reopening but added that he hopes other parks, that might be seen as less important will also be given a refurb and upgrade.
“It is good to see the council doing this. With increasing poverty (as wages and benefits fail to keep pace with prices) it is so important that families have places where children can play for free.
“I hope the ‘tractor park’ play area on Commercial Road will also have a refurbishment soon: it’s the play area closest to town centre shops, and very close to the river, which means it’s even more important than ‘just’ being in one of the most deprived neighbourhoods.”
You can find out more about the parks and open spaces in Bedford Borough on the council’s website.
