BATH & North East Somerset Council has responded to criticism that it did not take residents’ feedback on board when designing Keynsham Memorial Park’s revamped play area.
Work on the long-awaited new look for the upper play area began on September 21 after the council revealed that the final design had been agreed.
But the announcement left many parents unimpressed, with some complaining that the proposals were uninspired compared to what is available in other play areas, such as the Royal Victoria Park in Bath.
One person commented on Facebook: “It would be very interesting for you to highlight in which ways you listened to feedback? It still looks very poor.”
Another said: “Waited a long time for this update and it doesn’t feel like it responds to the community feedback.”
After the Voice asked B&NES Council for comment about how feedback had been incorporated, Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Sustainable B&NES, said: “The design for Keynsham Memorial Park’s new play area has been shaped by feedback from residents at every stage, especially the young people who told us what they wanted to see in their park.
“Following further feedback from Keynsham Town Council and residents, we’ve added more swings, expanded the equipment for younger children, introduced a new trim trail and moved the snakes and ladders closer to the café. The result will be a play area that reflects what the community asked for and provides more opportunities for children of all ages to play, explore and enjoy the park.”
In May this year, the council released images of how their proposals would look, but its announcement of the final design was accompanied only by photos of existing play equipment from other locations as examples.
Since then, the council has released a photo of a climbing wall that is being made for the play area. Works are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Below, a climbing wall being built for the play area
Photo: B&NES Council
