It is play time across the borough this spring, with all kinds of fun play areas to explore. Some playgrounds have been given a makeover and a new one has been created on the site of an old RAF radio station.

Our borough is known for its wonderful open spaces and, with around 120 playgrounds of various shapes and sizes dotted throughout the

borough, there is something for every child to enjoy.

Ealing Council has been refreshing a number of its playgrounds over the last few years. Recent openings include thenew play areas for all ages in Walpole Park and the adventure play structure in Northala Fields.

However, money is being spent on revamping some of the smaller playgrounds, too, and creating an entirely new one.

Adventurous play: Northala Fields in Northolt. This has a range of wooden equipment on a mound which makes it seem high-up and feel more challenging to climb and explore

Play for all: Walpole Park, Ealing. There is something for all ages, including water play for the first time in the borough. It is a water-efficient system using a small amount of water for maximum effect to avoid waste

For older children: Acton Park’s £100,000 transformation of its playground makes use of the timber from four oak trees that had to be felled in the park anyway. An artist will be working with children to carve some sculptures into the timber this spring. Large timber towers and walkways have replaced the old metal equipment and are designed to encourage imaginative and adventurous play.

Traditional play: Islip Manor Park in Northolt. A £70,000 makeover has introduced a large tower slide made from timber, a rope pyramid for climbing and ride-on springers for smaller children.

New playground: Families living close to Woodend Wireless recreation ground in Northolt will soon be able to enjoy a brand new play trail with balance beams, climbing nets, a slide and a wobbly jetty. The £35,000 project on the green space around the old RAF station will complement the apple orchard that was planted there last spring, creating even more of a focal point and resource for the local community.

Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/parks for more information.