New themed playground will mean a happy ever after ending (From thisisoxfordshire)

New themed playground will mean a happy ever after ending

6:00pm Monday 30th May 2011 in News By Rhianne Pope

CHILDREN in Headington will be able to enjoy their new Narnia-themed play park in time for the summer holidays.

A refurbishment of the Bury Knowle Play Area started in February and is due to be finished by July.

The work has cost £115,000 and is believed to be one of Oxford City Council’s biggest refurbishments of the year.

Once open, it is set to become “one of the most popular play areas in the city”.

Councillor Mark Lygo, council board member for parks and sport, said: “We are looking forward to the opening of the Bury Knowle Play Area.

“The new play area will be based near the sculptured seat area which was created from a dead cedar tree.

“It was turned into a sculpture by local sculptor Matt Cave and features characters from the books of Headington authors – JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.

“It is hoped that the new play area will continue this theme with Narnia character springers and a timber wardrobe entrance greeting visitors to the play area.”

The work followed 18 months of consultation with children and park support group the Friends of Bury Knowle Park.

Half the play area is already open, including a timber castle, toddler swings, sandpit and a climbing wall.

Mr Lygo added: “Once this site is complete it is likely to be one of the most popular play areas in the city.”

It had been hoped the work would be completed in time for the Headington Festival next weekend, but he said they were taking the time to “do things right”.

The rest of the park is now expected to be opened in July.

Rosemary Belton, chairman of the Friends of Bury Knowle Park, said: “I think it’s great and it’s looking really good.

“We especially love that it is themed around CS Lewis, as he is someone people really associate with Headington.”