Woodford Park to get seven metre slide at child's play area

The proposal, which will see the 6.8 metre polyethylene structure erected in Woodford Park, required planning approval as it is nearly three metres over the height allowed under the General Permitted Development Order. 

The unit, which will be situated adjacent to an existing play area and skate park, will be part of the much anticipated ‘destination’ play area project. 

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The new play area will replace the old one at the rear of the Oakwood Centre, which closed on January 10, and has been designed specifically with ‘inclusivity’ in mind by offering a play experience for children of all abilities.  

The proposed play and slide unit is only intended for children five years and over, according to the planning application. 

It will also include a sensory area, a wheelchair accessible play mound, an agility trail, a 7 metre tall canopy trail and seven types of swings, amongst other attractions. 

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In response to a resident's comment, a planning officer stated that the proposal “does not involve a zip line element.” However, this appears to be contradicted by the publicised images and a council press release which states that it will have a ‘double cableway.’ 

The council had earlier put forward a public consultation to help choose one of the three designs on offer. After receiving 700 responses from residents, 60 per cent selected the Proludic design (pictured below). 

The project is being funded using £200,000 developers’ contributions via Wokingham Borough Council - with £57,000 additional funding from Woodley Town Council – and is set to be fully completed later this year.