New play area unveiled at Ashcroft Park in Stopsley

The refurbished play area aims to encourage children and young people to spend time outdoors, be physically active and socialise with others.

It includes a castle-themed multi-play structure, swings, climbing equipment, a zipline, an inclusive carousel, sensory play features and interactive activity panels.

The work came after residents raised concerns with MP Sarah Owen about the former play area.

She said: “The opening of the Ashcroft Park play area marks a major investment in our town. I heard from residents that the old park just wasn’t up to scratch.

“This new play area will provide families the space to play and enjoy our outdoor spaces.”

Ashcroft Park is among the first 24 play areas due to benefit from Luton Borough Council investment this year.

The council is investing an additional £1.5 million in play facilities, bringing its total investment in play parks to £3 million over the next two years, with a further £500,000 going to improvements for sports pitches.

Councillor Tahmina Saleem, leader of Luton Council, said: “Investing in children, young people and families is one of our council’s top priorities, and we want every child in Luton to have access to safe, exciting and inclusive places to play.

“We’re listening to residents and delivering the facilities they want, so that children and families across Luton have more opportunities to enjoy our parks and outdoor spaces.”

Resident Sandra Stratford said: “How lovely to have a brand-new park for the local children to use. It’s so good to have a new facility for all our kids to have rather than the dangerous one we had before.

“So grateful for the local MP Sarah and her team who took on this project and got it done. I think it’s a wonderful idea to renew so many playgrounds.”

The programme is partly supported by increased government funding, including money announced for play parks in the 2025 Budget.

A table on the Luton Borough Council’s website shows the planned schedule of the consultation and installations proposed for refurbishment this year.