CHILDREN in Horspath are celebrating after getting not one, but two playgrounds.

The youngsters – from toddlers up to 14-year-olds – can now slide along a zip wire, climb in a giant crow’s nest or play on swings after the installation of the two parks costing £72,500.

The new equipment is a welcome boost for children in the area after the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents ruled that four pieces of play equipment from their former play park had reached the end of their lives.

More than 70 children gathered for the official opening of the parks at the village hall recreation ground, with many dressed as pirates in tribute to some of the sea-themed play equipment.

Parish councillor Dr Angela Julian said: “The children loved it.

“As soon as the contractors left the site the children have been on there using the playground.

“Before this there was nothing for the older children at the existing playground at all and there was nothing for the very small ones.

“About 70 children came to the opening.

“They were just so excited, it was incredible.

“Children have been asking me from the day contractors moved on to the site when is it going to be finished, so it was nice to finally let them use the equipment.

“When we opened the gate all the kids just rushed into the park.”

The parish council was able to pay for a play park for eight- to 14-year-olds after winning a £46,000 grant from the Government’s Playbuilder scheme A second park for under-eights was finished on Thursday after the council won a £36,500 grant from Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (Wren) which gives grants to communities who live near landfill sites.

Dr Julian, from Gidley Way, said the council had worked for two years to get the play parks built.

Her children Daniel Digges, seven, and Joe Digges, 10, were among those enjoying the play equipment over the weekend.

She added: “I was very happy to see my children and their friends enjoying it there.

“Daniel loved it.

“The play parks will have a real benefit on the children’s lives.

“It was really nice to see groups of children of different ages all playing together and encouraging each other and supporting each other. It’s nice to encourage that sense of community spirit in the children.”