Reading Borough Council's £155k investment on new outdoor gym and BMX track

People are encouraged to vote for their favourite for the changes at Longbarn Lane Recreation Ground, which has been earmarked for a £155k investment.

Around £75k of this investment will be used to install a new outdoor gym.

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Reading Borugh Council (RBC) has invited two specialist outdoor gym manufacturers to submit their design ideas, which will be used to consult with residents in the surrounding area.

They will include a good mix of robust equipment which is accessible people of all ages and abilities.

A further £80k will be used to refurbish the existing BMX track.

The track will be remodelled and a new tarmac surface will be laid, allowing for a greater rider experience.

RBC has also invited two BMX pump track specialists to submit design ideas for the refurbishment of the existing track.

These designs will also be used to consult the residents and schools in the local area.

This BMX track will also be suitable for all ages and abilities, as well as other activities such as roller-skaters and skateboarders.

The public consultation will take place from today (Monday, September 7) to Monday, September 21.

People can view the designs, vote online and provide feedback here.

The designs for both the BMX track refurbishment and outdoor gym installation will be on show to the public at Hexham Community Centre and outside South Reading Leisure.

The designs will be accompanied by Covid-secure ballot boxes, allowing people to tear off the slip for their desired option and place it in the box.

Hand sanitiser will be available, and individuals are asked to use this before and after voting, as well as to wear a face covering inside the building.

• Voting at Hexham Community Centre will be available Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm

• Voting outside of South Reading Leisure Centre will be available Monday-Friday, 7am – 1pm and 4.15pm – 8pm, Saturday 8am - 12pm

• Additionally, pupils at Reading Girls School and John Madjeski Academy will be able to view the designs at their school but will be directed online to cast their vote

The winning design will be announced on September 28.

It is expected that work will start on site in November 2020 and be ready for use in mid-December.

Karen Rowland, Reading's lead councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said: "We know that parks are one of the most valued amenities in Reading. Now more than ever, our outdoor spaces are so important.

"It is one of our key priorities that we provide high quality, accessible equipment in as many of our parks as possible. I’m sure all local BMX enthusiasts are excited at the prospect of a revamped track.

"This is an exciting and worthwhile investment and will benefit large numbers local people for years to come – offering and encouraging free fitness opportunities for all.

"I’m delighted that we are able to put such a significant sum into Longbarn Lane Recreation Ground and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to engage local people and school children in voting for their favourite designs."

Funding for playground improvements across the borough have been secured by RBC from developers who made a contribution to the council’s Community Infrastructure Fund.

Reading communities were consulted in 2018 on how money collected from local planning developments should be spent.

The top ranked schemes, including Longbarn Lane Recreation Ground in south Reading, were approved at the council’s Policy Meeting in November 2018.

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Other playground investment agreed and improved, include:

• £100K – Canal Way – completed in August 2020

• £100K – Ivydene play area, located next to Portman Road - completed in October 2019

• £95K – Cintra Park, south Reading (scheduled for completion Spring 2021).