Old Woodhead Drive play area

As reported in a blogpost from our neighbours in West Chesterton the old play area on Woodhead Drive, just across Downhams Lane from Gladeside and Alice Bell Close is due to be removed shortly. Councillor's have been sent an email by officers with an update about the park.

A project is about to be drawn-up to install a new play area at Woodhead Drive by the Summer of 2011 to replace the existing one which admittedly is not a fine example of the city’s play facilities at present. The council has taken the view that pouring money into a temporary solution would not be prudent when a completely new play area is imminent. Further, the opening of George Nuttall Close play area last year, a few 100 metres up the road has meant that any play area provision in the area has not been severely lessened. At present this play area has been fenced off with chestnut pale as the site is not deemed fit for purpose. Instead I would like to propose that we bring forward the decommissioning of the play area which would have a two-fold benefit of removing the unsightliness and the necessity for a more costly hired heras fence to stop unwanted intrusions.

Whilst we had hoped this play area would be refurbished last year (as accidentally stated in the email!) it is good news that the park is in fact on the agenda to be refurbished this summer. If you have any thoughts on this please do let the team know, and watch this space for further updates.

Gladeside (Woodhead Drive) playground to open soon

I have been told that the Gladeside play area which has been closed off since it was built more than a year ago should be open at the start of next month.

City Council officers and representatives of Miller Homes (the developers) met last week and hope to have sorted out all the issues to allow the park to be transfered to the City and finally opened.

Unfortunately Miller are unable to open the site before the handover, but both the council staff and Miller are hopeful of a quick completion.

Arbury Court play area

I have been told that the repairs to Arbury Court play area should be completed this week, the excavations began on Friday and new kit is ready to be installed.

In related news I have reported the damaged fence on the play area on the corner of Downham's Lane and Woodhead Drive.

New play equipment opened by Mayor

I was very pleased to attend the opening of the new Ramsden Square Rec play areas yesterday!

The new equipment is a very welcome addition, and from the positive comments I got from chatting to a few residents it appears that the consultation process to get to this point was very successful.

Hopefully I'll be able to point the blog at a picture soon!

Well done to the City officers and contractors for a fabulous job. It also shows how successful residents interventions can be, a model your LibDem City Council tries to follow.

If you are worried about the bare earth there is a plan: the earth will be allowed to settle, roots/stones etc will be removed, and then in autumn it will be seeded (so that the grass has a chance to survive).

One concern was raised with me by residents about dog mess in the play area. From discussion with residents, officers and our wonderful City Ranger I understand that some signs will be put up to remind owners of their responsibilities. I'll also ask the Dog Wardens to target the area.
Additional litter bins have been ordered for the site too.

Ramsden Sq Recreation Grounds

I received news today that following a rigorous evaluation of submitted bids, Cambridge City Council contracts have now been awarded for the development and improvement projects at both Ramsden Square and Thorpe Way Recreation Grounds.

You can download the plans for the play area and sports area at Ramsden Square, or view a poster that illustrates the upcoming changes to the recreation facilities at Thorpe Way.

If you have any ideas to improve your neighbourhood, you can submit them online, or contact us!