Page last updated at 09:12 GMT, Wednesday, August 3 2011

News Updates in the World of Play

June 2011

Stoke Park Woods- Bishopstoke

One of the last projects funded by the BIG Lottery with additional funding by the Forestry Commission has opened in Stoke Park Woods, Bishopstoke (Bodmin Road entrance). The woods are owned and managed by the Forestry Commission and following consultation days a selection of natural play items have been integrated within the woods. They consist of an 'ants' nest, a wooden disused train and carriage, balancing logs, a swing, a wobbly beam and stepping rods. New footpaths and some clearance works have also been carried out as part of the project with some works being undertaken by local residents as part of the Forestry Commissions volunteer days.  

Dowds Farm- Hedge End

New play area extension!
Following the opening of the play area at Dowds farm park last year, a new exciting extension has been added due to popular demand. The new extension has more swings, a cone climber as well as other exciting items of equipment. Dowds Farm park now has one of th enewest and biggest play areas in the borough.

New Youth Area!
Following consultation with local young people, a new football and basketball combi unit has been installed. On one side football can be played on wear resistant grass reinforcing mats and on the other side basketball can be played on a 9m x 9m tarmac pad. Shortly to be added adjacent to the unit will be a covered meeting point.

May 2011

Fleming Park Paddling Pool 
The paddling pool at Fleming Park opens the last bank holiday weekend of May (Whitsun). This year it is expected to be open for Saturday 20th May 2011. The hours of opening are from 10.00 through to 19.00 7 days a week. Please note that the paddling pool may close at any time for essential maintenance or health and safety issues.

The paddling pool closes for the season the Monday following the first weekend of September. This year it will therefore close on Monday 5th September 2011 The paddling pool, toilets and play areas are managed by DC Leisure Ltd on behalf of Eastleigh Borough Council.

Glebe Meadow- Bishopstoke

Glebe Meadow play area was refurbished in spring 2011. The play area was founded by Eastleigh Borough Council's Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath local area committee. The design was chosen from six submitted that met the deisgn brief by the local community.

Freespace BMX Track- Eastleigh

After a long delay due to the wet wintery weather the new regional standard BMX track has finally opened up at Freespace. the track has been designed and constructed by a professional BMX track builder to allow fo rinformal use as well as coaching and competitions. It has a start hill with a start gate which will be operational on club events and coaching days. The track is challenging with a number of berms, jumps and straights.

Please remember to use your protective gear (helmet with straps, elbow pads, knee pads and gloves)when using the track and in the rest of the skate park.

Information on the new BMX club can be found on the clubs facebook page; Freespace BMXclub.

Early 2011

Upper Barn Copse- Fair Oak
During 2010 the play area at Upper Barn Copse was refurbished using new play equipment provided by Russell leisure and funded by Eastleigh Borough Council's, Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath local area committee. The design for the new play area was again chosen by the local community.