Revamped village playground officially opened following council grant

Three Rivers and Sarratt councillors officially opened King George V Play Area on Thursday 11 July following works to remove the existing ageing play equipment with more modern and safe equipment that children of all ages in the village and beyond can enjoy.

Last year, Three Rivers District Council’s Policy and Resources Committee approved Sarratt Parish Council’s £184,000 funding request to replace the equipment at the play area, which the parish council owns and manages.

The funds came from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) pot – a charge the council implements on new developments. Sarratt Parish Council had put forward £10,000 from its own CIL pot and £5,000 came from Sarratt & Chipperfield Community Foundation.

The revamped playground has new rockers, roundabouts, slides, swings, climbing frames and a zip wire for younger children whilst teenagers can enjoy a dedicated area that includes a table tennis table, basketball hoop, football and cricket targets, a mini half pipe for scooters and skateboards and a chill-out shelter. The wooden climbing frame, which was donated by a local family in memory of their daughter, has been left in situ.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “Seeing the revamped play area become reality has pleased me more knowing that we allocated the £184,000 towards this scheme that will clearly enhance play facilities in Sarratt.

“It’s great that we can utilise funds that the district council secured from developments to have a positive and lasting impact on our community. I hope the playground will be enjoyed by children and families for many years to come.”

Cllr Chris Lloyd, the district council’s Lead Member for Leisure, said: “I was thrilled to be at the official opening of the new and improved King George V Play Area, which has already proved popular with children and families.

“It is important that young people and families, no matter where they are in the district, have easy access to a play area with high-quality and safe equipment. I look forward to taking my grandson back to the play area.”

Cllr Sarah Dobson, Chair of Sarratt Parish Council, said: “Sarratt Parish Council is delighted with the new playground and hugely appreciative of the financial support from Three Rivers District Council and the Sarratt and Chipperfield Community Foundation that made it possible.

“Feedback from parents and youngsters of all ages has been extremely positive, confirming this new playground was a much-needed amenity in Sarratt for today’s children and future generations.”