Cintra Park Children's Playground Refurbishment

Closed 6 Jan 2021

Opened 14 Dec 2020

Feedback updated 7 Mar 2023

We asked

In December 2020 we shared three potential designs for the refurbishment of Cintra Park Children’s Playground. We asked residents to vote for their preferred option and leave their comments.

You said

The results of the public vote can be seen in the table below:

Cintra Park Children's Playground Refurbishment

Design

Online Vote
 

Ranking

Option 1 – HAGS
 

179

1st

Option 2 – Sutcliffe Play Ltd
 

18

3rd

Option 3 – Wicksteed
 

98

2nd

Total
 

295

 

  • Cintra Park is well used and in need of refurbishment, it’s tremendous news that it is receiving investment 
  • Not all items of equipment are wheelchair accessible within the designs, as they do not have linking paths
  • Play panels provide a range of stimuli for children of all abilities, please could more be provided
  • Pleased to see accessible play facilities, it would be wonderful to see accessible play equipment for older children
  • Cintra Park needs to remain secure during works on site

We did

Based on your feedback, we awarded the playground refurbishment contract to HAGS. 

HAGS’ design already included an abundance of equipment, however we worked with them to take on board feedback provided. All items of equipment within the playground will be wheelchair accessible, through the provision of linking paths. An additional three play panels were added to the original design, giving a total of five play panels.

We ensured there is a mix of equipment, for all ages and abilities. However, Cintra Park is not a destination park, significant destination parks are: Palmer Park, Prospect Park, Christchurch Meadows and John Rabsons Recreation Ground.

We are working closely with HAGS and RBC parks team to ensure that Cintra Park remains secure throughout works.

Next steps

Works will start on site on the 19th March and take approximately eight weeks to complete.

Results updated 7 Mar 2023

Change to design

The original design submitted by HAGS included an accessible trampoline which was flush to the ground. Unfortunately, we are now unable to install this trampoline in Cintra Park playground. The contractor dug down to the appropriate depth to allow use of the trampoline but the water table level is too high to install the trampoline. The contractor tried to relocate the trampoline, but faced the same issue all over the playground. It is therefore not practical or safe to install the trampoline. This is something which can only be found out once digging has begun. 

An additional linking path, connecting the main play area to the picnic area will be installed instead. Additionally, the five play panels will be relocated and grouped together in the space where the trampoline would’ve sat. Whilst we are disappointed that it has not been possible to install the trampoline, the additional linking path will mean the picnic area is more easily accessible to all and still add value to the playground.

Despite this, the playground refurbishment remains on track for completion by the 14th May 2021.

Update 14 April 2021

Cintra Park children's playground will be closed for refurbishment from 19 March 2021, for around eight weeks, to 14 May 2021. Please do not enter the playground during this time. 

Reading Council today announced the winning design for the refurbishment of the Children’s Playground in Cintra Park, south Reading.

An online consultation which ran from the 14th December 2020 – 6th January 2021 allowed local residents to vote for their preferred design.

The winning design, Option 1 by HAGS, received 60% of the votes and can be viewed below. 

The Council have been working with HAGS to apply the feedback received during the public consultation. Extra paths have been added to the basket swing and the swing set. This will mean that all items of equipment within the playground are linked and accessible by wheelchair users. Additional play panels have also been added to the design. These were highly valued by the Disabled Play Access Task & Finish group. The two play panels from the existing submission will remain (Tic-Tac-Toe and Maze) and three more have been added (Glockenspiel, Number Fun and Shaker). These panels can be set at different heights and will provide a range of activities and stimulus for children.

Revised design

 

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Overview

Reading Borough Council would like you to vote on your preferred design for the refurbishment of the Children's Playground in Cintra Park. Please vote for either Option 1, Option 2 or Option 3. The designs can be viewed by downloading them from the 'Related' section below or viewed on the next page.

Cintra Park is benefitting from £85k investment. 

£85k has been allocated to the refurbishment and improvement of the Children’s playground. The playground will benefit from two new inclusive multi-units, one for toddlers and one for juniors. Additional equipment such as an accessible roundabout, a see-saw and slide will also enhance the playground. The surfacing and access into the playground will also be improved. 

The public consultation will run from 14th December 2020 – 6th January 2021. The winning design will be announced on the 8th January 2021 and be ready for use in Spring 2021.

Why your views matter

Reading Borough Council would like you to vote for your preferred design for the refurbishment of the Children’s Playground in Cintra Park.
Please vote for either Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3.

What happens next

This public consultation has now closed. The winning design for the refurbishment of the Cintra Park’s Children’s Playground will be announced on the 8th January 2021. The winning design will be available to view here and at South Reading Leisure Centre.

Areas

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