WELLINGTON Town Council has been dipping into a £3,000 budget to spruce up play areas in the town, with several still on the waiting list.

The opens spaces team has been repainting faded play equipment and tidying up green spaces and will next be turning their attention to Westford Grange and the play park in the town’s recreation ground.

Of the 27 play parks in Wellington, 17 are looked after by the town council since taking them on from Somerset Council last year, with improvements already carried out in Dobree Park, Warren Street, Chestnut Close, and Jurston Lane.

Open spaces manager for the town council, Darren Hill said: “I am committed, alongside the town council, to providing high-quality, safe, and accessible play areas that can be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities.

Before the work, play equipment at Dobree Park was looking faded and unloved.
Before the work, play equipment at Dobree Park was looking faded and unloved. (PHOTO: Wellington Town Council)

“As part of our ongoing programme of improvements, we will continue to invest in enhancing existing play facilities and creating welcoming spaces for the whole community.

“When purchasing new play equipment, the council will give careful consideration to inclusive play opportunities.

“Wherever practicable, new installations will incorporate equipment and features that enable children with a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities to play together.

“Our aim is to create play environments that are welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for everybody, promoting social interaction, independence, and equal opportunities for play.

“Above all, the council's priority will always be to ensure that all play equipment is safe, well maintained, and regularly inspected.

Play equipment at Chestnut Close was looking very sad and uninviting.
Play equipment at Chestnut Close was looking very sad and uninviting. (PHOTO: Wellington Town Council)

“We recognise there is still work to do to improve the inclusivity of our existing play areas.

“These improvements cannot be achieved overnight but will be delivered through careful planning, community consultation, and a phased programme of investment over the coming years.”

The council is installing new equipment, such as a new accessible swing seat harness for children with disabilities in the play area in the recreation ground, including a lockable storage box for parents with radar keys to access to keep the harness secure when not in use.

They are also improving existing play areas through the refurbishment and repainting of play equipment using bright, engaging colours where appropriate, working together with UK provider of outdoor play equipment Ministry of Play.

After some much needed TLC the play area at Chestnut Close is summer ready.
After some much needed TLC the play area at Chestnut Close is summer ready. (PHOTO: Wellington Town Council)

Mr Hill said: “Where site conditions allow, new planting will provide natural shade, helping to make play areas more comfortable and better suited to warmer summer temperatures.

“Together, these enhancements will provide a richer play experience, encourage exploration and interaction with nature, and create more inclusive environments that can be enjoyed by children and families with a wide range of needs and abilities.

“The council is committed to seeking external funding opportunities wherever possible to support these improvements and maximise investment in our play areas.

“By working with funding partners, local organisations, and the community, we aim to deliver high-quality play facilities that meet the needs of current and future generations while ensuring the best possible value for residents.”

A page dedicated to play parks can be found on the town council website outlining which parks are managed by which authority.