Halliwick Recreation Ground is set to see improved play facilities and the council wants residents to have their say, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Halliwick Recreation Ground (credit Google)

Barnet Council has launched a consultation on plans for a new play area at a popular park in Friern Barnet.

Halliwick Recreation Ground is set to see improved play facilities including a new play tower with slides and bridge, a wheelchair accessible roundabout, a swing set and a picnic table.

An online survey has been launched asking residents to select their three favourite and least favourite pieces of equipment out of the 15 pieces that have been proposed.

The survey also gives an opportunity to say if there’s “anything missing” and whether the layout is likeable.

Funding to the sum of £150,000 was allocated to the project by the council’s east area committee and the Friends of Halliwick Recreation Ground are “securing the remaining funding” bringing the total budget to £200,000.

The council said it has worked with the friend group on the proposals. The council clarified that only the playground under the large tree would be refurbished while play equipment next to the tennis court “will remain unchanged”.

The deadline to complete the online survey is Sunday, 8th June.

Two drop-in sessions where people can ask council staff, who will be on hand, questions, and view plans is taking place at the playground from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday, 7th May and at the same time on Saturday, 17th May.

The council said following the consultation it would review the outcomes to see if there’s “interest in changing” the facilities and will discuss the results with the friend group and play contractor.

Plans will then be agreed between the contractor and the council, with work likely to take place in autumn.

For more information on the consultation and to take the survey:
Visit engage.barnet.gov.uk

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