Are these new Fenland play areas and improvements a good idea?

Specific sites have been identified to host play equipment for the first time, whilst others are earmarked for improvements.

Results of the consultation will help inform the projects that are taken forward, with plans for work to begin as soon as possible.

Cllr Jan Franch, Fenland's portfolio holder for parks and open spaces, said: Local elected members have helped develop these plans to create a proposal list that offers widespread improvements for the district.

"We're excited to see this investment improve play areas and opportunities across the district and to hear the views of residents on whether the proposals are what they want."

It's proposed to spend around £250,000 in each of Fenland's four towns, with the remaining £500,000 spent in villages.

The proposals and survey

Take part: Fenland Inspire! Play Areas Consultation

Chatteris proposals

Proposals for Chatteris centre around improving lighting at Furrowfields and Wenny Road recreation grounds. Any remaining budget for Chatteris is proposed to be spent refreshing these and other town play areas with things like refreshed and improved surfacing, fencing and play equipment. This could include at Cricketers Way, Hunters Close, Huntingdon Road, Larham Way and St Pauls Drive.

March proposals

In March, there are proposals to invest in new or improved equipment at locations, to potentially include, Alberts Drive, Gaul Road, North Drive, Peas Hill Road, Robingoodfellows Lane, Southwell Close, The Avenue and West End Park.

Whittlesey proposals

Proposals for Whittlesey include for new meeting and seating area at Church Street, next to St Andrew's Church, with the potential installation of benches and improved landscaping. In addition, there's a proposal to put some play equipment closer to Station Road. Plus, possible investment in Manor Field, Pinewood Avenue and Thornham Way.

Wisbech proposals

In Wisbech, there's a proposal to create a new play area in Guild Road. In addition, there are proposals to invest in improved or additional features at Burcroft Road, Jasmin Close and Wisbech Park

Fenland villages proposals

In Fenland's villages there's a proposal to create a new play area in Tydd St Giles, close to the community centre in Broad Drove East. A new play area is also proposed for Manea on the grassed area in Hutchinson Close. Plus, improvements to play areas in Christchurch; Doddington; Elm; Leverington; at Park Road, Manea; Murrow; Newton in the Isle; and Wimblington.

Consultation closing: June 1, 2026

An equality impact assessment will be carried out on all improvements that are taken forward.

The proposal to invest in parks is in accordance with the district council's Cabinet investment aspirations set out in 'Fenland Inspire!'.

The proposals are in addition to usual ongoing maintenance and investment in parks and play areas. Fenland District Council invests every year into maintaining play equipment and does regular safety checks.

The council is responsible for many parks, open spaces and play areas across the district. Other play parks in the district may be owned by parish councils, private companies or housing providers.

Some of the proposals relate to sites not owned by Fenland District Council and will require landowner approval to go ahead. In some cases, owners of the sites may already have conducted recent consultations about the sites related to their own plans.

• The 'Fenland Inspire! Play Areas Consultation' is now open until 9am, Monday, June 1. Take part at: Fenland Inspire! Play Areas Consultation
• If you spot a problem with a park, check if it's a district council owned area and report it at: Open Spaces