AN EARTHY eco park of natural boulders and underground tunnels is expected to open to the children of Bicester next month.

Large stones, tree trunks and water features have created an environmental adventure park for the youngsters since work began towards the end of last year.

A spring date has been set for the £250,000 overhaul of Garth Park, which should be ready to use by the end of March.

Mum-of-one Jill Williamson, a regular with three-year-old Gabriel at the popular community spot, said: “It is all very exciting and we are very much looking forward to it opening.

“The park looks great. The water feature is a good idea as we often go to one at Leighton Buzzard. It is lovely to see the café going in as well, it is a fantastic idea and will be a great meeting place.”

The pristine park – funded with help from a WREN donation of £70,000 – is now complete and “settling in” after developers re-turfed the site.

Plans include a greener approach using natural, sustainable materials, tying in with the town’s Garden City status.

Work is now ploughing ahead on the £200,000 eco café that will neighbour The Garth building in Launton Road.

The bandstand-style café will recycle rainwater and act as a hub for community events. Wedding ceremonies could also be performed there in the future.

Bicester Town Council policy committee chairman Richard Mould said: “The café is reaching a fairly substantial milestone as they are putting the roof on. The play area is finished.

“So it is hoped it will be open about the same time towards the end of March.

“We have gone for a much more natural play area. Everything before was metal – it has gone very much the other way.

“I would think the last time the park was refurbished was late 1970s or early 1980s.”

Many people in Bicester have fond memories of the long-standing park, including mum-of-two Jill Huish who grew up in Bicester.

She said: “I know people 10 years older than me that remember playing on the rocking rocket and I have pictures of me on it in the early eighties.”

Bicester Town Council is hoping it will all be open by Good Friday ready for the mayor’s charity walk around Garth Park.

Councillors have also put aside about £30,000 over the next financial year to review all play areas in town. It will look at which areas are most used or under-used and invest more in the popular parks.