Athelstan Recreation Ground - Completed community parks programme works

Athelstan Recreation Ground

Villiers Road, Kingston, KT1 3AY

playground
football
toilets

Playground Improvements

We asked

In November 2020, we asked for your views on our draft makeover plans for Athelstan Recreation Ground playground. Residents had their say on Kingston Lets Talk and via our first ever virtual drop-in sessions. Thanks to your great input we have adapted our plans and we are pleased to announce the final design.

You said

The feedback on the plan was generally positive and included:

Supportive of both the design and proposed medieval theme, residents wanted the wording removed from the knight character and this has now been removed.
Thrilled with the new sandpit and gym area
Requests for a redesign of the sandpit to make it easier for toddlers to access.
Requests for a trampoline.
Requests for additional swings and slides

We Did

Based on your comments we have revised our plan for Athelstan Recreation Ground. Key changes include:

Trampoline

We agreed with your feedback that trampolines are a popular feature in other parks within the borough so we have included one in the final design. This will be located next to the sandpit in the toddler area.

Sandpit

We have changed the design of the sandpit and removed the original wood edging. This has been replaced with a softer surface which makes the sandpit easier to navigate for younger users.

Knight Character Comments

The wording said by the knight character has now been removed from the design.

Unfortunately due to the size of the playground and budget for the project, we were unable to accommodate requests for additional swings and slides..

We have included two new pieces of equipment outside of the main playground that include a new 30m zip wire and Flexus stand on swing.

The Final Design

The playground improvement works were completed in April 2021

The final design ensures that children of all ages and abilities can learn, interact, imagine and play together. The play experience is enhanced with a new castle themed multiplay unit, including a dragon and new moat designed surfacing. The junior play area reflects the site’s Royal heritage and is centred on the four tower fort that provides a number of activities for children to climb and explore. The sandpit and has a softer surface which makes it easier to navigate for younger users and includes an activity table. The fencing that was located between the junior and toddler area has been removed. This makes the playground more open plan. The site has a new trampoline located in the toddler area next to the sandpit. Inclusive equipment includes a wheelchair roundabout and toddler swing with a ‘You to Me’ seat that allows adults to accompany children whilst on the swing. There will also be a new 30m zip wire and Flexus stand on swing for older children to enjoy. Additionally, the site has a new fitness area with a range of equipment including exercise bars and a bench, a wide overhead ladder and over and under bars, along with new football goals. The existing basket swing, climbing wall unit, 2 flat seated swings and climbing spinner in the junior area will be retained and refreshed.

View the final design.