Hitchin play area reopens after £75,000 revamp

Architect Julia Watts, Councillor Jane Gray, council leader Lynda Needham and executive director Steve Harvey. Picture: NHDC (Image: Archant)

The Bancroft recreation ground now boasts a new adventure climbing structure with a slide and a pendulum swing.

A standing stone circle and boulders have been added to encourage more imaginative play, and the popular toddler’s pirate ship park has been retained.

The renovation to the play area, carried out to increase the park’s appeal to older kids, was completed by community charity Groundwork Herts on behalf of North Herts District Council.

Council leader Lynda Needham opened it alongside executive member for leisure Councillor Jane Gray, along with Groundwork executive director Steve Harvey and senior landscape architect Julia Watts.

Mrs Gray said: “Through our consultation with residents, we know that families in Hitchin wanted more exciting and challenging play equipment for older children, so they can continue to enjoy activities outdoors and spend time with their friends.

“It is wonderful to see this work come to fruition and we hope that children will have lots of fun using the new equipment.”

Ms Watts added: “The improvements have really opened up the area making it more inviting and accessible.

“The new play equipment also provides opportunities for older children to play and challenge their abilities.

“The play area is an important resource for Hitchin, and these improvements provide facilities appealing to a wider community.”

The work has opened up the view from the park to the river, which the developers say make it lighter and more inviting.

Shrubs have been replaced with new plants along the borders and surrounding areas, with new trees to be planted in due course.

A new path has been installed, and additional works to replace worn out pathways will be undertaken after the summer.