The town of Wantage’s cherished Smith’s Wharf play area, located on the bustling canal towpath, was initially closed in March 2020 due to Government-mandated lockdown measures during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In October 2021, the site became officially registered to the Vale of White Horse District Council. Following the acquisition, plans were initiated to rejuvenate the treasured but temporarily abandoned space. This redevelopment project received £70,000 in funding, in addition to costs associated with acquiring the site from private ownership.
Fast forward to May 13, 2023, and the playground has been wholly transformed. The gates have once again opened to delighted cheers from children and parents eager to explore the revamped facilities.
Longtime Wantage resident Rodney Tillotson, who has observed the town’s growth and transformation for over 35 years, shared his excitement about the restoration. Rodney remarked, “The space where the playground is was for a long time part of a working scrapyard. It transitioned into a mature housing development, with townhouses at the playground end and flats towards the town end.”
The original playground, provided by the site’s developers, had to be closed for safety reasons. However, thanks to the refurbishment, the play area is now safer, more accessible, and has been reinstated as a valuable asset to the community. Families in the area have quickly embraced the updated space, with children enthusiastically enjoying the new facilities daily.
Community Reactions
Rodney expressed the collective sentiment of the community, saying, “Everyone I have spoken to is grateful, though it’s not obvious to many who did it. So, thank you to whoever is responsible.”
A spokesperson for the Vale of White Horse District Council responded to the community’s enthusiasm, stating, “We’re delighted that the Smith’s Wharf play area has reopened following its closure, so the community can enjoy the improved facilities.”
The spokesperson added, “Funding was obtained in 2023 to provide a new retaining wall, improve the playground surface, and enhance pedestrian barriers, making it easier for those using mobility scooters to navigate the pathway alongside the play area.”
The reopening of Smith’s Wharf play area is a significant moment for the local community, representing both a return to pre-pandemic communal activities and the resilience of Wantage as it recovers and thrives post-lockdown.
Looking to explore more about what Wantage has to offer? Discover local businesses and activities in the Wantage Business Directory. If you’re part of the community, you can also submit your business or share upcoming events to stay connected.
