Several children’s playgrounds in Liverpool could receive a glow-up if plans are approved at a meeting next week of the city council’s cabinet.
A report is proposing a programme of works which would provide up to £683,000 worth of improvements to the playgrounds through the installation of brand-new equipment.
If agreed, the plan will involve upgrades to infrastructure at playgrounds in or on:
- Walton Hall Park
- Doric Park, Old Swan
- Calderstones Park
- Berkley Park, Toxteth
- Lyon Street Park, Garston
- Wavertree Botanic Park
- Lower Breck Recreation Area, Tuebrook
Every park in the report is due to receive at least £58,000 worth of improvements, with the works scheduled to start in July.
Almost all of the funding for the project will come from Section 106 contributions, which are payments collected from private developers to help the Council deliver improvements benefiting the wider community.
Some additional funding for the Lower Breck Recreation Area changes would come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The work follows on from the introduction of Liverpool’s full accessible play area in Croxteth Park.
Feedback from local residents on proposed designs has already been gathered after they were submitted by a number of possible contractors as part of an extensive procurement exercise. As part of next week’s meeting, Cabinet will be asked to endorse a preferred contractor for each site.
Additional refurbishments are due to take place in a further seven playgrounds following the completion of these initial works. All playgrounds in Liverpool have been assigned a place in a priority list for any possible future renovations.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said: “Playgrounds are a wonderful place for children to meet, have fun and stay active. By keeping playground equipment up to date, we help children have a safe and accessible place to enjoy themselves outdoors.
“We’re committed to the ongoing improvement of our green spaces, and it is fantastic that we can put this funding towards something that benefits the next generation.
“Putting young people at the forefront of our decision making is incredibly important to us and projects such as this highlights our ambition to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City.
“The seven parks are popular community assets for families across the city and the works will ensure that they remain that way for many years to come.”
