This follows the decision by Chichester District Councillors in January to invest £800,000 in upgrading six play areas.
The areas set for refurbishment are Parklands in Sherborne Road, Whyke Oval, the Amphitheatre, Priory Park, Florence Park, and Oaklands Park.
The council has already consulted with children, parents, and carers to gather their views on the current play equipment and ideas for improvements.
Following this, several play area specialists were invited to bid for the refurbishment work.
A preferred contractor has now been selected, and the council is inviting the public to view the proposals and provide feedback as part of a second stage of consultation.
This consultation is now live and will run until 5pm on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Councillor Mark Chilton, cabinet member for finance, corporate services, and Chichester contract services at Chichester District Council, said: “Over the last few years, our play areas have started to look a bit tired and are now in need of an upgrade.
“Once completed, our new and improved play areas will offer an experience for a range of ages all year round.
“As well as being fun and enjoyable to use, they also encourage creativity and provide a space for everyone to play and socialise together.
“It’s also important to us that each play area is inclusive to all so the plans feature a range of play equipment that can be used by disabled children and those with health conditions and impairments.”
The council is also working with Chichester City Council to enhance Oaklands Park, aiming to make it a flagship ‘destination’ play area.
This will include a wider range of play equipment to provide an extended play experience.
Florence Park has already seen work begin, as last year’s consultation revealed that only minor improvements were needed.
This will be the first of the play areas to be refurbished, with work due to be completed before the Easter holidays.
Once feedback has been received and incorporated for the other play area proposals, it is hoped that work will begin after the Easter break in a phased approach so that four play areas will always be open.
It is hoped that the whole project will be completed by the end of the school summer holidays.
Councillor Chilton added: “To help you share your views on the final designs for these play areas, we’ve created a short and simple survey where you can see the plans and have your say.
“You can complete this by visiting: letstalk.chichester.gov.uk/playareas/participate.
“You can also visit our designated consultation web pages — letstalk.chichester.gov.uk/playareas — where you will find background information; a range of frequently asked questions; and visuals of the proposed improvements.”
The ‘Let’s Talk: Play Areas’ consultation is now live and will run until 5pm on Monday, March 31.
People can share their views by visiting: letstalk.chichester.gov.uk/playareas/participate.
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