A POPULAR Cowley playground has been extended to help cut the queues for the slides and swings.

The play area in Cowley Marsh Recreation Ground is so popular with children that it becomes overcrowded during school holidays.

So, thanks to £20,000 of money received from developers of projects in the area, it has been extended to provide more fun, for more children.

The work, carried out by Oxford City Council, added a space net for climbing, a specialised slide for toddlers, a balance beam, roundabout and a toddler springer.

Fencing around the site has also been extended.

Cowley Marsh councillor Saj Malik said the extra equipment had been badly needed at the site.

He said: “In the summer, the play area gets overcrowded, so we decided to extend it with new slides, rockers and a climbing frame.

“It’s for both younger and older children. There’s always a demand.”

The funding came from contributions made to the council by developers for projects to the benefit the community, known as Section 106 money, linked to the redevelopment of the former Oxford Bus Company garage, in Reliance Way.

Mr Malik said the development took place five years ago but the council had decided not to use all the money it received in one go.

He said: “We consulted residents and community groups and spent the money in stages.”

The last buses left the garage in September 2004, when the Oxford Bus Company left the site it had occupied for 80 years to move to Watlington Road.

The 10-acre site was turned into housing, business units and student accommodation.

Money from the developers had previously been used to smarten up the recreation ground, providing new benches, bins and trees.

The installation of the play equipment took a week and was completed just before Christmas.

The city council is proceeding with the second year of its £2.5m programme to modernise children’s play areas across the city, following confirmation that funding is secure.

So far, 37 playgrounds have been updated as part of a three-year citywide programme that will see 55 sites revamped.

Other play areas that are due for refurbishment between now and April are: Ridley Road, Cowley; Falcon Close, Blackbird Leys; Mistletoe Green, Greater Leys; Dene Road, Headington; Friars Wharf, St Ebbe’s; Bury Knowle Park, Headington; Cowley Marsh, Cowley; Sandfield Road, Headington.

The Department of Education is also funding an £800,000 play project in Barton, along with 11 other schemes in the county. These are at: Appleton; Ark-T Centre, Cowley; St Louis Meadow, Banbury; Blewbury; Carterton; Middle Barton; Hook Norton; Sandfield Road, Oxford; Bury Knowle Park, Oxford; Shipton-under-Wychwood; and South Oxford Adventure Playground, Whitehouse Road.

cburatta@oxfordmail.co.uk