Whitehouse Park play area in Ipswich reopens after upgrade

Whitehouse Park play area, off Norwich Road, received an upgrade under a multi million pound scheme by Ipswich Borough Council. 

The planned upgrades included a new 4.4 metre treetop glider, a reflection area for quiet play and an outdoor fitness zone. 

The play area for children aged from 0 to 14 reopened on Thursday, July 18. 

It incorporates equipment for children of all ages alongside inclusive equipment including a braille panel, a sensory totem and a sign language play panel. 

The play area is secret garden themed (Image: Ipswich Borough Council) READ MORE: Open air theatre which you can watch with a picnic to return to Ipswich park

Councillor Lucy Trenchard, Ipswich Borough Council portfolio holder for parks and climate change, said: "We are delighted to be opening this new play area in readiness for the school holidays, giving children of all ages a fun, safe and challenging space to enjoy.

"Designed to encourage children to let their minds wander, the new play area pushes children to learn, use their imagination and explore together regardless of ability. 

"The local community have been very positive about the new play space, so we are looking forward to making a start on the next one as we continue to invest and deliver our Play Area Strategy over the next three years."

Councillor Lucy Trenchard at the opening of the play area (Image: Ipswich Borough Council) READ MORE: Exhibit with 500,000 Lego bricks comes to Ipswich

The upgrades and retheming of the Whitehouse Park play area is part of Ipswich Borough Council's £3.5million plan to improve more than 40 play areas in the area.

Last summer Newbury Park's play area was overhauled with a slide, accessible swing and sky swing with pod seats installed. 

Aging equipment at Holywells Park was replaced to turn the play area in an "imagination island" and Castle Hill became the first play area in Ipswich to have an accessible swing when work finished in October 2022.