Families across South Norfolk are already enjoying upgraded play areas thanks to the Council’s major programme of improvements. This includes Wymondham’s Whispering Oaks playground, which now has fantastic new facilities being enjoyed by local families.

The £228,000 investment programme by South Norfolk Council has been supported by the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. As well as new play equipment, Whispering Oaks has been treated to new biodiversity enhancements. These improvements include changes to grass-cutting regimes, wildflower planting, and the planting of new trees to encourage wildlife and enhance the environment.

Other playgrounds benefitted in this project include Appletree Lane in Roydon, and both Admiral's Way and Ullswater Drive in Hethersett. The Council has also completed surfacing improvements at Summer Close in Framingham Earl and Tulip Tree Drive in Poringland, with improvements at Hudson Avenue in Trowse completed earlier in the year.

The upgraded facilities are already proving popular, with the new play areas attracting plenty of visitors since opening.

Cabinet Member, Councillor Kim Carsok, said: “Play areas are an important part of our communities and it’s vital that the improvements reflect what residents want.

“It’s even better to now see many of the new facilities open and being enjoyed by local families. We have also placed a strong focus on accessibility, ensuring every refurbished site includes inclusive equipment so that more children can enjoy these spaces together.”

Work on the remaining sites will begin after the summer holidays, with completion expected by the end of September, weather conditions permitting. The remaining locations are, Chestnut Road, Tasburgh, Ensign Way, Diss, Filbert Road, Loddon and Knyvett Green in Ashwellthorpe.

The sites included in the resident consultation were Admiral's Way (Hethersett), Appletree Lane (Roydon), Chestnut Road (Tasburgh), Ensign Way (Diss), Filbert Road (Loddon), Knyvett Green (Ashwellthorpe), Ullswater Drive (Hethersett) and Whispering Oaks (Wymondham).

Once complete, the programme will have delivered modern, high-quality play facilities across South Norfolk, giving children and families more opportunities to play, be active and spend time outdoors close to home.