New play areas in Itchen Valley Country Park transformation

Children are already enjoying one of the two new play areas, while walkers and cyclists are taking advantage of new tracks and trails. 

It's all part of a £3 million Eastleigh Borough Council scheme to provide new visitor facilities at the 440-acre site in West End.

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The park’s newest play area, The Den, is designed with the youngest visitors in mind. Small children can enjoy a slide, toddler swings, balance logs and other fun features.

Older adventurers will soon be able to enjoy an accessible double zip wire, a larger slide, swings and much more at the top of the park.

The upgraded path network close to this park commands beautiful views from its highest points.

Over the past three years, the country park's rangers have tended the trees that line the paths and visitors can look forward to walking under an avenue of wild cherry, hawthorn, rowan and silver birch close to the Go Ape attraction. 

The new footpaths are also perfect for those on wheels, with work continuing over winter to connect the upgraded cycle track with forest trails, completing a 5km route to be enjoyed all year round.

Highlights of the transformation also include a new community building and remodelling of the existing Highwood Barn and Kingfisher Barn, better barbecue and picnic areas, a Changing Places room for disabled users, a new central events space, and a covered outdoor seating area for customers of the popular Woodland Café.

Eastleigh Borough Council's Chair of Hedge End, West End & Botley Local Area Committee, Cllr Cynthia Garton, said: “It’s wonderful to see the improvements to Itchen Valley Country Park coming to fruition.

"As well as exciting attractions such as the new play and adventure areas for younger visitors, the walking and cycling trails offer an excellent opportunity to relax and unwind in beautiful green surroundings."

The improvements to Itchen Valley Country Park are ongoing and some features and areas may be temporarily closed as further work takes place.

Civic chiefs approved the plans to improve the park last September. A report said visitor numbers had risen by 35 per cent over the past five years.