Excitement is building for families near Swindon as plans for the upgrade of two play parks get underway.

New Road Park in Royal Wootton Bassett currently consists of a large playing field and two play areas - one for under-five and one for older children.

However, the toddler park is set to undergo a complete refurbishment after grant funding for the project was confirmed in September.

New mock-up plans released by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council now show a new toddler swing set, a see-saw, a climbing frame with an attached slide, a four-way see-saw springer, noughts and crosses and musical panels.

Parents will be happy to know that a new bench has also been included in the plans, and all the equipment is set to be covered underfoot by a soft fall-safe material with grass in between the different areas.

The town council has also confirmed that work on the play park will start on January 6, 2025, and should take approximately two weeks.

A mock-up image of what New Road toddler park will look likeA mock-up image of what New Road toddler park will look like (Image: Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council) The current state of New Road parkThe current state of New Road park (Image: Dave Cox) "Parts of the park may be inaccessible while the installation is carried out," said a spokesperson for the council.

But the toddler play park isn't the only thing families have to look forward to.

The installation of a replacement 'trim trail' less than a mile away at Old Court Play Park, is also underway.

READ MORE: Changes made to insane four-week Coped Hall road closure

Installation began on November 25, 2024, and mock-up plans show several variations of wooden balance structures and bridges which will line the park and provide a balance and coordination challenge for children who have outgrown the toddler park.

The final design for the trim trail was selected by the school council at Noremarsh Junior School and the installation is expected to be complete by December 2.

Plans for the trim-trailPlans for the trim-trail (Image: Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council)
The plans for both parks are part of a series of works to upgrade children's play parks in Royal Wootton Bassett this year.

Old Court Park was last refurbished in February 2024, and town mayor Eve Silvester joined local families at the opening.

"It is important to regularly update and repair our equipment to ensure that we help to keep our children safe and happy and provide as much enjoyment as possible," said the mayor.

"Hopefully the new equipment will continue to bring pleasure to the children who visit and their parents and carers will also enjoy the play area."

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