Brent Council claim long awaited play area in Wembley could open “sooner than expected”

Children prematurely enjpy Chalkhill Park in Wembley. Pic Credit: Martin Francis (Image: Archant)

A long awaited park and play area in a Wembley estate could be available for use “well ahead” of its official opening ceremony, Brent Council has said.

Chalkhill Park, in Bowater Road, is anticipated to be officially unveiled in June, but it is expected, weather providing, that children may be able to enjoy it sooner than expected.

The Park, which was given planning permission in 2010, will feature open parkland, a play area for children as well as seated areas and a sculpture garden. It is due to be officially unveiled on June 8, at a special ceremony.

However, yesterday (Thurs) the park was prematurely christened by children who flooded into the play area keen to sample the new facilities.

Martin Francis, chair of governors at Chalkhill Primary School, told the Times: “The fact that children appear to have opened the park themselves shows how badly it was needed and how excited they are at the prospect of at last having a great play space on the estate.

“I hope council open it as soon as possible so they can enjoy the facilities without being worried about whether they might get into trouble.”

The park has been more than three years in the making and was hit with a string of delays due to procurement cost fears, it was feared that at one point it may not be delivered at all.

Mr Francis added: “The park along with new play facilities at Chalkhill School and a BMX track at St David’s Close means that children will soon have fantastic play facilities.”

A spokesman for the council told the Times there were “a few snagging issues” which contractors needed to address before it is officially passed to the council.

However, he added: “The weather will continue to play a key role in exactly when this [the opening] will be but we anticipate that Chalkhill Park will be open for residents to use well before the official opening ceremony in June.”

Cllr Michael Pavey, a Barnhill ward councillor, which the estate falls under said: “The beautiful new Chalkhill Park belongs to the families of Brent.

Let’s get it open as soon as physically possible.”