A 'bigger and better' adventure playground in a popular High Wycombe park is now officially open - but some are concerned it's not safe or inclusive enough.
Work began on the refurbishment of the children's play area at The Rye in January, with a "fully accessible", "bigger and better" upgrade promised.
Although the project was originally scheduled to conclude in March, the date was pushed back to the beginning of April due to safety concerns.
The Ropes on the Rye playground officially welcomed its first visitors last week - boasting partially-recycled equipment including a Tree Castle multi-play unit, a mini space net, a track ride tower and a 'cocowave' swing.
Mohammed Hanif, former Mayor of High Wycombe, visited the playground on Saturday, April 6, and described it as a "wonderful" scene, with "parents watching their children running around and having a great time".
However, not everyone was convinced that the renovated area is as safe or inclusive as it was purported to be.
Becky Lou Manning, a mum-of-three whose children are 22 months, one and three years old, said she doesn't believe the new playground caters enough for toddlers and infants.
She said: "If you are going to upgrade the park, it would be better if younger children were also included. All of mine love the swings, and they aren't incorporated into the new upgrade.
"They can't go to the smaller park in the middle of The Rye (either) because it's flooded and inaccessible with the current weather conditions."
She also joined the chorus of residents calling for a fence to be put in place around the new play area, to "prevent animals from running around" and making the children nervous.
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Clive Harriss, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: "We are delighted that the transformation of the Ropes on the Rye play area is now complete.
"I'm sure everyone will agree, the new equipment looks fantastic, and it is clear to see that children and families are already enjoying the space.
"We know how important play areas like this are to residents, allowing children to play outdoors in a fun, safe environment for free.
"This transformation is one of many play area upgrades we have carried out in the past couple of years as part of our continued investment into parks and open spaces, for the benefit of local communities."
The council unveiled a similarly refurbished adventure playground in Higginson Park, Marlow, last August.
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