CHILDREN on an estate are enjoying a new playground thanks to a £75,000 cash boost.

The new equipment, which includes swings, slides and a small toddler unit, is in the centre of parkland off Bernwood Road, in Barton, Oxford.

Plans are also afoot to install artwork at the entrance to the park, and two new seating areas.

Local artist Rob Turner, who helped redevelop Underhill Circus, has been working with local children to design mosaics.

He said: “It was great to be able to work with the local children. Their mosaics will be used for the seating areas.

"They have also designed murals for the entrance of the park for people to see. I’ve had great fun because I’ve been able to work with local people to design an area they will use in the future.”

The play area was funded by Oxford City Council (which contributed £28,000) and Oxfordshire County Council’s Playbuilder scheme (which spent £47,000).

Howie Watkins, the county council’s Playbuilder development officer, said: “Through the Playbuilder grant scheme, we are making £1.25m available to create new and challenging outdoor play areas just like this one.

“Playbuilder aims to create play spaces for eight- to 13-year-olds which are exciting and encourage a variety of play.Twenty eight schemes will be funded across the county over three years.”

Barton youth worker Melanie Jewell said: “The area’s been crying out for a new playground as the older kids really needed something to play on.

“It will be a real benefit to the community and be a great place for children from east and west Barton to meet up.”

Miss Jewell, of Stowford Road, said she was looking forward to taking her two children Raekwon, nine, and Malyke, seven, to the play area.

Sue Holden, secretary of Barton Community Association, said the investment in the estate was long overdue, and thanked the city council for taking action.

She said: “I’ve had lots of lovely reports about the new facilities. It’s a step beyond the type of play area we are used to.

“It is just what the community needs.”

City councillor Antonia Bance, executive member for social inclusion, said: “The park is very popular and we are delighted local residents and children helped with the design.”

The play area is the second in the city to reopen after the city council pledged to spend £2.5m rennovating 52 play areas over the next two years.

Meanwhile, 11 bidders heard last week they would be getting a share of county council cash – including those in Playfield Road, Kennington; Pinnocks Way, Botley; and Horspath Village Hall.

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk