New facilities at Basingstoke Park

Play area and BMX track near completion.

A new children’s play area, wild zone and BMX pump track are nearing completion at Beggarwood Park as part of a £258,000 improvement scheme for the community.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has also installed new benches, bins, better footpaths and improved the landscaping at the neighbourhood facility and Local Nature Reserve.

The previous play area has been extended and updated with 30 new facilities for children aged up to 12. These include climbing frames, ropes, swings and toddler rides. The eco-friendly wild zone replaces the old timber maze. Both facilities are expected to open in November.

BMX fans will be able to use the new pump track circuit of rollers, berms and jumps when it opens later this autumn. The facility can also be used for skateboards, rollerblades, scooters and mountain bikes.

Consultation

Local residents were asked for their views on what recreational and landscaping facilities they would like to see at Beggarwood Park in a public consultation held last year. The feedback received by the council was used to plan the improvements, with money from developers’ contributions. Following delays due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the work is now in the final stages of completion.

Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment Cllr Mark Ruffell said: “We have worked with the local community to create these fantastic new facilities for all to enjoy.

“Once completed, this open space will include a new play area, wild zone and a BMX pump track along with better landscaped surroundings. Beggarwood Park is a very popular place and I hope this investment in new equipment and facilities will be enjoyed and treasured by all those who use it.”

Find out more at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/beggarwood-park