A BLACKBIRD Leys playground could re-open but needs volunteers and cash to make it happen.

New trustees of Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground (Blap) have been appointed to revive the 35-year-old facility, which has been closed for more than a year.

But they say the old and run-down play area needs investment and maintenance to get it back on its feet and volunteers are needed to dismantle the old equipment.

The Cuddesdon Way playground was closed because of a lack of cash and safety fears.

Trustees chairman Kieran Watson wants work to start in April with the help of organisations including the Probation Service, Oxfordshire Community Voluntary Action and Oxford City Council’s street wardens.

Father-of-two Mr Watson said: “We are setting up a project with volunteers so that we can revamp Blap. We’re going to do weeding, lay grass seeds and remove the structures that are unusable.”

Among the structures set to be dismantled is the iconic Blackbird climbing frame.

Mr Watson said: “We’re going to bring it down and at the moment we’re debating whether to replace it with a similar structure.

“It will be a short term project that involves old fashioned play – children will be able to dig holes, make pits, built tents, that sort of thing.

“At the moment Blap is sad and rundown and uninspiring. Children were very vocal about their disappointment when it closed.”

For decades Blap was a vital facility for parents, providing entertainment for children after school and during the school holidays.

Mr Watson said: “The value of the community play provision will be based on community involvement.

“We are encouraging volunteers to support Blap with positive action. I think there is a real need for it.

“Children need to experience play and we are now going back to the roots of play, which at Blap was one of organised adventure play.

“We want to create a space where children can spend their summers having fun and having new experiences.

“Without a doubt it will re-open. It will happen but it’s subject to funding.”

If you are interested in helping email Mr Watson at watson_kieran@yahoo.co.uk