Council criticised for 'unimaginative' re-design of Lime Pits park

As previously reported, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has revealed plans to update the Lime Pits play area in Old Basing after choosing a winning scheme, following consultation with residents.

However, parents and a local councillor have responded to say the design is a replica of other Basingstoke parks which have recently been updated and doesn’t offer anything new.

Read more: Lime Pits play area refurbishment plans revealed by borough council

Hannah Roberts, a mother-of-two from Brighton Hill, said: “It looks like a random selection of play equipment has been dumped in a small space with little consideration to its surroundings.”

She described the design as a “manmade eyesore” adding: “If the council is passionate about the natural landscape, I feel it will be a decision they will come to regret, if they care.

“They appear to be rushing the revamp through as quickly as possible, suggesting they know that objections will be raised but don’t want to allow time for any discussion. Why haven’t parents been asked to choose the park design?”

Councillor Kate Tuck, borough councillor for Basing and Upton Grey, was also critical of the design and said the council “needs to aspire to better”.

She added: “I would much have preferred a more natural-looking play area that made use of the terrain in the way the slide does at the moment. We could have had a boulder scramble up by the slide and upgraded the slide as necessary for modern regulations. The proposed design seems more urban in style and does not integrate or make the most of the natural features of this site.

“Playgrounds in Europe have been developing natural playgrounds for years, not only are they more aesthetically appealing but they allow children to connect with nature as well. Residents tell me they feel it is a missed opportunity and I agree with them.

“The bright colours feel inappropriate in this natural setting and children who suffer from sensory integration disorders can be affected, in particular finding it hard to manage the overload of stimulation.

“A play area such as this needs to provide for all abilities and that includes children learning to assess risk with more adventurous play.

"I have asked if there is anything that can be modified at this stage. It should of course be said that it is very difficult to please everyone but when you look at the possibilities and then look at what is to be delivered we need to aspire to better.”

The borough council’s cabinet member for environment and climate action, Cllr Hayley Eachus, said: “When designing these spaces, we also have to consider additional factors including the budget available, site safety, inclusivity, ongoing maintenance considerations and site constraints – including anti-social behaviour risks, ground levels, trees and root zones.

“Key considerations for this site included its more secluded nature away from housing providing natural surveillance, ground levels, uneven access in places, and the age and condition of the existing equipment and associated structures.”

However, Hannah believes the council is using these constraints “as an excuse to be lazy with the design”.

She added: “Other councils, who must be working within the same constraints, manage to offer their residents far better play opportunities than the council has so far managed in Basingstoke. Our council is not trying to find a way to work around them to offer us something special and different.”

The borough council faced criticism following its £175,000 redevelopment of War Memorial play park in Basingstoke in 2021, with parents expressing disappointment after it opened, labelling it ‘boring’.

See also: Council criticised for 'boring' new Basingstoke play park

The borough council consulted with residents on the Lime Pits through a questionnaire before selecting a design by Kompan.

Work is set to start at the end of March and will include a new 30-metre zip wire, a giant slide, a tractor multi-play unit and agility trail.

Cllr Eachus added: “We are really pleased to be delivering an exciting new play area at the Lime Pits for families to enjoy in time for summer.

“When upgrading our play facilities our aim is to cater for a wide range of people’s needs, likes and abilities. We encourage residents to give their views to help us shape the new spaces to be inclusive and fun for children. We value the input we receive and take into account all of the responses when planning a new play area.”