Major improvements transform Harborough district’s play areas

Harborough District Council has delivered a substantial refurbishment programme costing £230k that is part of a three-year plan to ensure that its play areas are accessible now and for the future.

These play area improvements were completed in May and June 2023, in advance of the school summer holidays. Some sites have been given a full makeover with others having a partial refit.

With sustainability in mind, the council has used recycled plastic materials and metal instead of wood where possible.

In Market Harborough, Logan Street Recreation Ground now boasts a new multi-play unit, sensory boards, junior and all-inclusive swings, recycled plastic edging and surface. Shortly new park benches will be added to the site.

The Headlands play area in Market Harborough has had new toddler sit-on springer units added and its broken equipment has been replaced.

Little Bowden Recreation Ground in Market Harborough has had a new large multi-play unit, recycled plastic surrounds and surface. In the autumn, the last of the timber edging will be replaced.

Welland Park play area in Market Harborough has had new recycled plastic surrounds and surfaces to paths and landscaped areas. After the summer holidays, the multi-play unit will be replaced. Tired equipment will also be upgraded in the autumn.

Manor Field play area in Thurnby has had a new multi-play unit, all-inclusive swings, surface and spinning equipment. 

Mitchell Grove play area in Scraptoft has had a new toddler unit, sensory boards, surface and its adult fitness bars have been relocated.

Moorbarns Lane play area in Lutterworth has had new junior swings, surface and its old equipment has been replaced.

Devitt Way play area in Broughton Astley has had new sensory equipment, surface repair and its rocking ship has been replaced to a rocking jeep.

Cllr Darren Woodiwiss, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for Environmental services and grounds maintenance, said: “These play area improvements are necessary to provide diverse and stimulating play equipment and safer surfacing for all. They will ensure our parks are more inclusive, accommodate cognitive play and help children be active, sociable and healthy, which is important for their development.”

The council plans to do more play area improvements in 2024 at Wadkins Way in Thurnby and Cottage Lane in Broughton Astley.

Love Parks Week is from 28 July to 6 August and is a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy local parks in your area.

For more information about play areas visit https://www.harborough.gov.uk/play-areas