Plans for a new play hub and activity centre at Prospect Park have been approved by Reading Borough Council.

The Council is investing over £500,000 to build a new play hub and activity centre in part of the pavilion building at Prospect Park, which will become a new destination for activities, entertainment and learning for families and children from across Reading and beyond.

Work is expected to begin on site towards the end of the year with the aim of opening in spring 2022.

As part of the Council's ambition to improve health and drive up participation in outdoor and active play, the new facilities would offer:

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• accessible outdoor family adventure 9-hole mini-golf

• an indoor 'Sky Tykes' low ropes course for younger children age 7 and under

• a café facility with indoor and outdoor seating

• new toilet facilities (including an accessible Changing Places facility)

• multi-function room for parties, meetings and teaching, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) or excluded from mainstream education

• an outdoor education area that will also support Reading Play’s educational outreach work which includes using play as a tool to improve particularly vulnerable young people’s social skills and wellbeing.

The development is just one aspect of the enhancement and investment we are making within Prospect Park. The playground has been prioritised as urgently needing improvements, particularly free accessible equipment for children of all abilities.