A SCHEME to revamp most of Oxford’s play areas has entered the home straight as the 51st playground was officially opened in Cowley.

Oxford City Council has spent two years and £2.5m refurbishing and replacing play parks across the city, and aims to finish by April.

On Friday, children poured into Hundred Acres Park off Hollow Way, to explore the latest playground.

The play area has been completely overhauled at a cost of £45,000, with a focus on activities for younger children.

Eleanor Sparrow, 38, mum to Annika, 14 months, lives in nearby Temple Cowley.

She said: “It’s a really good play area. Although there are a lot of facilities in the area, there are not so many for children her age so it’s really nice to have equipment which is designed for toddlers.”

Bob Timbs, who represents the area on the council, said: “The play area was under-used because it didn’t have the right equipment in it for the children to enjoy.

“I am delighted with the refurbishment and I know that many youngsters are now using it and enjoying it.”

The play area was developed in consultation with local residents, who said there was little provision for younger children and toddlers in the area.

The new equipment is aimed specifically at this age range, and includes toddler swings, a toddler climbing and slide unit and a toddler play car.

Older children are also catered for, with a new adventure swing, and an existing ‘rotator’ has been moved to fit in with the new playground.

New seating and safer surfacing have also been installed.

It took about six weeks to complete the work.

Council parks and sports board member Mark Lygo said: “It’s now really popular with local families.

“This one play area is part of our three-year programme to redevelop and improve play areas and I am pleased with the result.”

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent upgrading play areas across the city and once the programme is complete, 69 will have been refurbished.

There are still 18 play areas to be tackled which are in various stages of advancement.

Among the biggest will be playgrounds in Cutteslowe Park, Florence Park and Pegasus Road.

Consultation is ongoing at Pegasus, which is set to cost about £130,000, and residents have already been asked for their thoughts on plans for a £90,000 revamp at Cutteslowe Park.

About £150,000 has been earmarked for Florence Park, which is set to be one of the council’s flagship playgrounds.

The final designs are being put together, and more consultation is planned before work starts next year.

The work is being carried out by Groundwork Thames Valley.