Fareham Borough Council has re-opened a popular park in Fareham after £100,000 worth of improvements.

On Thursday, May 30, the Crossfell Walk play area on Bishopsfield Road was re-opened by the Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Pal Hayre.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUCH) awarded the Council £1m of UK Shared Prosperity Funding in 2023.

£100,000 of this funding was allocated towards improving the play and recreational facilities at Crossfell Walk play area.

Through a public consultation in autumn 2023, 345 people expressed their preferences and suggestions for improvements to the play area.

Daily Echo: After an invitation to tender was issued, Fareham Borough Council awarded Wicksteed Leisure the contract for the works in December 2023.

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Crossfell Walk play area was closed at the end of April this year in order for the improvement works to be carried out.

The following new items of equipment have been added:

  • Inclusive multi-unit, including a slide and additional play features
  • Sensory pathway (a pathway made up of different materials creating different textures)
  • Inclusive butterfly play panel
  • Communications board
  • Speedway roundabout
  • Two springies
  • Two flat swings
  • Hammock swing
  • Surf rider
  • Spin and bounce see-saw
  • Floor graphics and games

The cycle path that previously ran through the middle of the children’s play area has been re-directed, and three new trim trail pieces of equipment, including monkey bars, a balancing beam and a wobble bridge, have been located just outside of the play area.

In addition, the multi–use games area (MUGA) has been fitted with new play panels and floor graphics, including a 3-lane racetrack.

Daily Echo:

The Mayor cut the ribbon as part of the official re-opening event at the play area on Thursday, while Wicksteed Leisure gave out goody bags to the children.

Executive Member for Leisure and Community, Cllr Connie Hockley, said: “I am delighted that these amazing improvements have been made to Crossfell Walk play area.

“With new, modern equipment and a redesigned space, it is truly an inclusive and exciting area for everyone to enjoy.”