Work is currently underway on a 'bigger and better' children's play area in a popular High Wycombe park.

Plans for a "bigger and better" refurbishment of the playground in The Rye, were first unveiled by Buckinghamshire Council in September, 2023.

Work on the refurbishments, for which the council secured funding last autumn, kicked off this week (January 24) and is expected to take around eight weeks to complete.

Bucks Free Press: A mock up design of The Rye

 The Ropes on the Rye play area will include a Tree Castle multi-play unit, mini space net, track ride tower, ‘cocowave’ swing and a giant spinning disc.

An outdoor calisthenics fitness unit will also be installed.

The new Tree Castle will be more accessible, including a separate access ramp and wide slide.

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Clive Harriss said: "I am delighted to be able to say that the transformation works to this popular play area have now begun and all being well the new facilities will be open by the end of March.

"We are especially pleased to be able to incorporate ideas and suggestions that came out of our local consultation.

"It is important to us that this play area is fully accessible to all and provides a welcome boost for the community."

What sets this play area apart is that several of the equipment items are crafted from recycled materials, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

Mum Abbie Russell said: "We are happy it is being done as in time for summer. The old playground was excellent but it had reached the end of its life and was becoming unstable.

"Hopefully the new playground will be as varied as the original one once was and suitable for a wide range of ages."

Mr Harriss added: “We know how important play areas like this are to our local communities and despite the huge strains on our budget, we are committed to making lasting improvements like this for the benefit of everyone.”