Residents and councillors have swung into action to give children in North Farnham an improved play area.

These are exciting times for youngsters in the town with the Sandy Hill play area getting a much-needed revamp and plans progressing to update the Gostrey Meadow site.

The former has been transformed into a “vibrant and inclusive” space for children and families with climbing structures, swings, slides and interactive play zones.

It was carefully crafted to meet local needs with residents getting the chance to vote for their favourite designs in a public consultation with a shortlist of “innovative options”.

Work began on the refurbishment with February with a grant from Surrey County Council and a generous donation from a local private benefactor funding the project.

Renovated playground on Sandy Hill
Figures from the county and borough councils joined forces with local groups like Hale Community Centre and the Sandy Hill Inclusive Partnership on the revamp. (Waverley Borough Council)

Waverley Borough Council – which will oversee the play area’s maintenance – also gave additional funding after unexpected drainage issues with the ribbon being cut to the new-look play area on Thursday, March 27.

Figures at Hale Community & Youth Centre invited families from the Sandy Hill estate to attend the launch, with trustee and SCC member for Farnham North, Cllr Catherine Powell, hailing the teamwork behind the project.

She namechecked the HCYC team as they worked with Melissa Salisbury from the Sandy Hill Inclusive Partnership to secure funding from SCC’s “Your Fund” small community projects scheme, with the private donation settling the bill.

She said: “Seeing all the kids running in and using the new equipment, laughing and playing was just so uplifting.

“It’s amazing what can be done if different groups come together around a common goal.”

Old Sandy Hill playground Farnham
The play area before the revamp. (Waverley Borough Council)

Waverley led the project and contributed costs towards new fencing and access, with Andy Fernandez and Cllr Tony Fairclough being thanked for their work and support.

“The collaboration and contribution from all parties have been crucial in bringing this project to fruition,” said Cllr Steve Williams, WBC portfolio holder for environment and sustainability.

“More importantly, the involvement of residents who called for a more inclusive play area has been at the heart of this project. We are thrilled with the result.”

Residents have also been thanked for their help with an ongoing Farnham Town Council bid to update the Gostrey Meadow playground.

Three designs were put to the public vote in February in the second stage of the playground consultation.

The response was impressive with more than 450 taking part and the winning design securing two thirds of the vote.

Gostrey Meadow Winning Play Area
And soon it will be the turn of Gostrey Meadow, with this design winning a public vote... (Farnham Town Council/Eibe Play)

The proposals by Eibe Play include a ‘Huge Wey’ multi-tower unit influenced a by mill near Farnham.

A toddler climbing unit and swing, stand-up seesaw, water play and Sensory Lion’s Den are also proposed along with new seating, picnic tables and colourful tree bench.

The inclusive play items, which include a communications board, can be used by children of all abilities.

Cllr Chris Jackman thanked residents for their input on behalf of Farnham Town Council with work expected to begin soon.

He said: “We had more than 450 responses to the second part of the consultation which is amazing.”