New Accessible Play Area Set to Open in Staines Park This July
The Transformation of Staines Park
For generations of families in Staines-upon-Thames, Staines Park has served as a cherished green sanctuary. It is the place where local children take their first steps, learn to ride bicycles, and spend long summer afternoons. This July, the beloved community landmark is set for an exciting new chapter. Spelthorne Borough Council has announced that a state-of-the-art, fully inclusive play area will officially open on 21 July, perfectly timed for the start of the school summer holidays. Unlike traditional playgrounds, this redesigned space is built to cater to children and teenagers of all physical abilities. The upgrade introduces modern play equipment, designated adventure zones, and beautifully landscaped social seating areas where parents and carers can relax. By transforming this central green space, the council hopes to foster a stronger sense of community cohesion, ensuring that no child is left on the sidelines. The park will once again become the beating heart of outdoor life in the neighbourhood, offering a safe, vibrant, and welcoming environment for local youth to explore, learn, and make lasting memories together in the fresh Surrey air.
Funding the Future through Local Development
An upgrade of this scale requires significant investment, but local taxpayers will be pleased to know it has not drained the standard municipal budget. Instead, the project has been fully funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This planning charge is paid by developers when executing new builds or significant property extensions in the borough. Whether it is a homeowner embarking on a modern loft conversion, a comprehensive loft refurbishment to modernise an older property, or larger developments managed by regional Guilford builders, these projects pay into the CIL fund. John Turner, chair of the council’s environment committee, praised this funding model, explaining that developer contributions allow the borough to reinvest directly into highly valued green spaces without placing a burden on local council tax. This clever recycling of development wealth ensures that as our built environment grows, our public parks grow with it. By linking physical development—like a loft conversion or home extension—to community amenities, Spelthorne is ensuring that local growth directly supports the wellbeing of the next generation of residents.
What This Means for Spelthorne Families
For Spelthorne residents, the opening on 21 July is a major win for local accessibility. The new play park has been meticulously designed with wide, smooth paths that accommodate wheelchairs, double buggies, and mobility scooters with ease. This ensures that grandparents, parents, and children with diverse mobility needs can navigate the entire site together. Local community groups and family support networks have widely welcomed the design, highlighting how critical inclusive outdoor play is for childhood development. Spelthorne Borough Council will take over the long-term maintenance of the site immediately after completion, ensuring the equipment remains safe, clean, and durable for years to come. As the grand opening approaches, local families are encouraged to pack a picnic, head down to Staines Park, and experience the new facilities firsthand. Moving forward, residents should keep an eye on future council consultations regarding CIL funding, as there will be further opportunities to suggest which local parks and community centres should benefit next from these developer-funded improvements.
Source: New play area to open in Staines Park, Spelthone Council say
