TONNES more fun is on the cards for the youngsters of Cutteslowe after their local park got an exciting upgrade.

A new £100,000 play area is open for business after a disused bowls green was transformed into a fun-filled zone for children aged over eight.

It features a new sandpit, a timber climbing frame and slide, and a zip-wire.

More seating for parents and families has also been provided as well as a new boardwalk and footpaths.

Sheila Hampton, from Cutteslowe, was one of the parents who took her children to the new play area. She said: “I’m really pleased they have put this new equipment in for older children. It’s much more adventurous.

“It is expensive to keep the children entertained but not if you can bring them to the local park.”

Her 10-year-old daughter Naomi said: “I’ve been having a great time. It’s really fun and exciting.

“The slide is really fast and not very sticky so it’s my favourite part.”

Eight-year-old Sascha Sturgeon, from Polstead Road, agreed: “It is really cool and I’m going to try and get my parents to bring me back.”

The work, which was carried out by Oxford City Council’s parks team, cost more than £100,000.

Ian Brooke, head of leisure and parks at the city council, said: “This provides a fantastic new resource for children and families who live across Oxford.

“It will encourage children to take full advantage of the play opportunities the park has to offer and will also provide brand new play equipment to challenge the children.”

Cutteslowe has become the latest part of Oxford to benefit from the city council’s scheme to refurbish its 87 play areas.

Over the past three years about £2.5m has been pumped into the play areas.

Other areas which have benefited include Headington, where Bury Knowle Park now has a Narnia-themed play area, and Florence Park.

An official opening for the Cutteslowe play area is expected to take place during June.