A BRAND new play area has opened at Whitehall Recreation Ground.
The new playground and musical interactive area, part funded by a £75,000 grant from Veolia Environmental Trust, are the latest upgrades in what is hoped to be a major revamp of the recreation ground.
Featuring a music area that includes a floor piano, handpipes and Cajun drums, the play area also includes references to Rugby’s scientific greats with a roundabout reminiscent of a jet engine in tribute to inventor Sir Frank Whittle, who had an office and workshop in Rugby prior to the Second World War, and a telescope invoking the work of Sir Joseph Norman Lockyer, the Rugby-born astronomer who discovered the element Helium in 1868.
Other features includes a play hut, periscope, talk tubes, table tennis and table football, climbing nets, zip lines and swings, seating and picnic benches – complete with chess and draughts boards.
Much of the equipment is suitable for children and young people with special needs or with restricted mobility, and there is easy access for prams and buggies.
The historic rocking horse designed by inventor and entrepreneur Charles Wicksteed has been relocated within the park following its refurbishment.
Rugby Borough Council environment and public realm spokeswoman Coun Lisa Parker said: “Having had an enthusiastic response from residents to our initial proposals, it is fabulous to see this play area complete.
“The Rugby Recreation Ground is Rugby’s oldest open space and really should be a place for all Rugbeians to enjoy. The Rec is once again a place that we can be proud of.
“The generous grant from Veolia Environmental Trust has meant that we have been able to include some wonderful new equipment alongside the best of what we already had.”
The revamp of the park has included improving the view of the war memorial, resurfaced footpaths, new litter bins and essential tree works.
Future plans include a new skate park and restoration of the historic bandstand, each of which will be scheduled as funding is identified.
Whitehall Rec is a Fields in Trust protected site meaning that it will be kept as a park forever.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/WhitehallRec for more information on the restoration.
