A brand new play area for children in Ipswich is set to be opened on Saturday July 4 as coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

Ipswich Star: The Dumbarton Road playground was finished in March, but couldn't open to to coronavirus. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Dumbarton Road playground was finished in March, but couldn't open to to coronavirus. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

The Dumbarton Road Recreation Ground play area in Rushmere was completed in March by Ipswich Borough Council but wasn’t allowed to open during lockdown.

The inclusive play area, for children aged two to 12 years old, has a theme of ‘Ipswich and Transportation’.

It features a suspension bridge across a river – representing the Orwell Bridge – as well as a car, bike and train.

Councillor Phil Smart said: “All of our play areas are now designed around inclusive play.

Ipswich Star: The Dumbarton Road playground was finished in March, but couldn't open to to coronavirus. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Dumbarton Road playground was finished in March, but couldn't open to to coronavirus. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

“Before there might have been just a set of swings, but we now look at providing equipment where groups of children can enjoy playing on them at once and interact.

“We also make sure all equipment is usable for children of all ability levels.”

The new playground has graphics to encourage imaginative play as well as swings, seesaw and springers.

Mr Smart added: “We do want people to know that we won’t have an army of staff ready with hand sanitiser at the ready to wipe down equipment and while we want them to enjoy the park, is still important to follow the government coronavirus guidance.”

Ipswich Star: The Dumbarton Road playground was finished in March, but couldn't open to to coronavirus. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Dumbarton Road playground was finished in March, but couldn't open to to coronavirus. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

The Dumbarton Road site comes as part of council works to update all of the play areas in Ipswich, including Christchurch Park, Alexandra Park and Maple Park.

Across the town there are 96 playgrounds with an excess of 800 pieces of equipment and seven outdoor fitness areas – three outdoor gyms and four trim trails.

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