Cotman Close Play Area

The council secured funding to replace or revamp the play equipment in Cotman Close Play Area. We asked for residents adjacent to the play area (users and non-users), residents living in Abingdon, interested members of the public/individuals and district, town/parish council and businesses / organisations for their feedback. The consultation ran for a four- week period from Thursday 11 July until 11.59pm on Thursday 8 August.  

A leaflet was delivered to 83 properties adjacent to the play area, posters were displayed in the park as well as around the play area to inform regular users and a survey was shared with 12 key stakeholders, such as the local town council, ward members and Thameside Primary School. The councils’ Equalities and Arts officers also shared details of the survey with contacts that may have an interest in the topic. Additionally, the consultation was shared via social media and on the Nextdoor app.  

71 responses were received to the consultation, with 58% being from residents that live in Abingdon and are users of the play area, and 27% from residents adjacent to the play area, and a user. 

58% live in Abingdon and are a user of the play area. 

42% feel the range of play equipment provided is poor or very poor, 28% selected poor and 14% selected very poor, 

80% feel the condition of the equipment provided is poor or very poor, 55% selcted poor and 25% selected very poor. 

Other pieces of play equipment residents would like to see in the play area are climbing frame (25%), equipment for toddlers (21%), monkey bars (18%), swings (27%), trampoline (24%), zip wire (14%) and slide (15%). 

Following the close of the consultation, all feedback was carefully reviewed and used to inform the decisions regarding the new play equipment. The full report detailing the results is available to view here. 

Construction of the new play park began in March 2025 and opened to the public in April 2025. The park features nature-themed surface graphics designed to create an inviting atmosphere for visitors of all ages, three types of swings catering to various age groups and abilities, a trampoline, a climbing structure with an integrated slide, a zip wire, a roundabout, and several other engaging play elements. The councils arts officer worked with local school children to design bespoke signage, adding a personal and creative touch to the space.