A NEW £265,000 children’s play area has opened at the Lime Pits and is ready for families to enjoy.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council began the redevelopment of the Lime Pits, near Old Basing, in March and has now completed the park.

It includes a new 30-metre zip wire, a decked slide, a tractor multi-play unit and a challenging agility trail as well as various other new equipment installed as part of the borough council’s play refurbishment programme.

READ MORE: Council looking for alternative to fountains after estimating £100k cost for repairs

The play space, which now includes zoned areas for toddlers and pre-school aged children, juniors and teenagers, was designed following a public consultation with residents and users who were asked for their views on what they would like to see in the area.

The council said this feedback helped shape the refurbishment of the “tired and outdated” children’s play space.

However, some parents and local councillors were critical of the design when the plans were revealed, labelling it a “manmade eyesore” and a replica of other Basingstoke parks.

See also: Council criticised for 'unimaginative' redesign of Lime Pits play park

Upon announcing that the new park is open, residents gave mixed reactions to the council, with many questioning why the popular long slide has been removed. 

Gabbi Littlefield said: "You got rid of the big slide and the train. They had been there my whole life and I loved seeing my son enjoy the same equipment I once enjoyed, great memories."

Jonathan Godbold was also disappointed to see the slide gone, saying: "R.I.P big slide, had so many memories going down that when I was a kid."

Caroline Morris asked what is available for older children, saying: "Not all want to be on skateboards or bikes. Parks and playgrounds need to cover all kids - they don't lose the fun at 10."

Laura Plackett was pleased with the news and said: "Looks amazing! So pleased this got a revamp."

Cabinet member for residents’ services and housing Cllr Laura James said: “Our play areas and open spaces are really valued by residents in the borough, providing free, outdoor fun for families.

"We want to breathe new life into more of the borough’s play areas repairing, restoring and revitalising these spaces where they have become tired, damaged or outdated over time.

“We hope that the new play equipment at the Lime Pits will provide children of varying ages and abilities with a challenging and fun play area which will be much-loved and enjoyed.”