South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 04/09/2012

Councillors attended today’s launch along with representatives from Merlin Housing and local residents, children and young people. Following a ribbon cutting by Cllr Janet Biggin, Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, a community event was held featuring birds of prey and a bouncy castle.

Children and young people are benefiting from the makeover which has been funded by South Gloucestershire Council, in partnership with Merlin Housing.

One of the trees in the park was diseased and had to be felled and this has now been recycled and carved into beautiful new play equipment. Other trees and shrubs have also been planted to replace the old Norway Maple.

As well as recycling the tree, Merlin Housing has funded a new fence, a spinning cup for the play area and a new bench. South Gloucestershire Council has funded a new fence around the play area, a new climbing frame and natural goal posts for the football pitch made from sustainably sourced chestnut poles.

Cllr Janet Biggin said: “The transformation of Wesley Hill play area is fantastic; so much has been achieved with the funding available and using the old tree to make new equipment provides an inspirational and sustainable area for young people to play.”

Merlin’s area manager for Kingswood, Cyndy Simpson, said: “Our recent success at the Olympics has highlighted the importance of safe, open spaces for children to play and be active. Helping to revamp this important community park will benefit local families. We’re delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile project.”

Wesley Hill was recently named as a Queen Elizabeth II field to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the event will be used to set up a new friends group for the play area.