Playtime returns to Old Marston (From Oxford Mail)

Playtime returns to Old Marston

5:05pm Friday 10th July 2009

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NEW life is to be breathed into a well-used Oxford play area.

After three years of campaigning and fundraising by parents, the Friends of Old Marston Play Areas (Foompa) and parish councillors, the old, out-of-date equipment at Mortimer Hall Recreation Ground, off Marston Ferry Road, is being ripped out and new facilities installed.

Local children decided on what should be in the play area and, thanks to grants from Wren, the organisation which distributes landfill tax credits to good causes, Old Marston Parish Council and Oxford City Council’s north east area committee, their dreams are soon to become a reality.

Parish councillor and Foompa member Duncan Hatfield said: “It is incredibly exciting for children in the area.

“We have been waiting many years to do a complete overhaul and we simply haven’t had the money or resources to do it.”

A zip wire, a ‘bird’s nest’ swing, an adventure trail and a new roundabout are being installed.

Work is expected to finish on July 31, with a grand opening planned for Wednesday, August 5.

Youngsters from Old Marston will be invited to open the play area, cutting the ribbon before having the first play on the equipment.

An afternoon of celebrations is being planned, with mural painting and the opportunity to make festival costumes or instruments out of junk.

The park has been funded by £48,000 from Wren, £10,000 from the parish council and £5,000 from the north-east area committee.

Foompa is also planning to put up a shelter which could be used by older children.

It has also received funding for improvements on the other Old Marston play area, in Boults Lane Recreation Ground.

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