The opening of the play area brings over four years of work between Warwick District Council and the Friends of Victoria Park to fruition.

Occupying a slightly larger area than before, the new facility boasts a unique six-metre-high tree house with a long spiral slide and multiple play opportunities, as well as a trim trail, modern swings and trampolines, a bigger sandpit and toddler area and, between the paddling pool and skatepark, double racing zipwires.

The development fulfils a design brief that was based on the results of a jointly sponsored online survey of Victoria Park users in 2018 in which over 1,000 people responded enthusiastically to ideas for more modern and appealing equipment like a multi-use play structure.

The brief was given to six innovative play equipment companies to “create an exciting and bespoke play space sitting comfortably in the historic park setting”. At the same time, the Council expanded its budget for the play area to £350,000, funded via Section 106 agreements from local developments in the area.

The winning contractor, Kompan - the world’s number one playground equipment supplier – prides itself on providing play centres that are designed from the ground up to improve children’s health and learning by offering high play value, uncompromising safety and accessibility and unique innovation.

Speaking for the Friends, David Adams explains; “We were delighted to be part of the team who evaluated and voted for Kompan’s inspired vision. Ever since the installation work started, our Facebook pages have been attracting a bumper number of likes from families of excited children.”

Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood, commented: “We've had to wait for this amazing new play area but the wait has been so worth it. All our play areas are a valuable asset for our children, not only providing them with a safe space to play but also in enabling their development. However, this flagship play area will only enhance Victoria Park as a special space for local families. I am also really pleased it is open and ready for the school holidays and will remain open during the Commonwealth Games.”

The play area will remain open during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games from 28 July to 8 August, as Victoria Park’s bowling greens play host to the lawn bowls and para bowls events.