South Ascot Playground Launch Event, Thursday 16th July 2026
Results of the Facebook residents poll
The Parish Office received 44 responses from residents via the Council’s Facebook page. The key themes arising from the responses have been summarised below, together with proposed responses for consideration. A detailed breakdown of individual comments is provided on pages 2 to 5.
Key themes from the consultation responses were:
- More shade and shelter.
- Additional seating and picnic tables.
- Public toilets.
- Future use of the fenced-off area and repair of facilities for older children.
- More provision for older children and teenagers.
- Improved event communications.
- Strong support for additional community events.
- Overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the new playground and overall investment in Victory Field.
Overall sentiment: Extremely positive, with many residents describing the playground as “fantastic”, “excellent”, “much-needed” and one of the best local facilities in the area. The most common improvement requests related to shade, seating, toilets and provision for older children.
| Theme | Summary of Comments Received | Frequency | Proposed Response / Key Message | Action Required |
| Event publicity | Many residents were unaware of the launch event until the day itself or missed it entirely. Some felt communication could have reached more local residents. | High | The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was an invitation-only event for local schools within the playground catchment area, while the playground launch was promoted through schools and notices within South Ascot and Sunninghill. Due to limited staffing and parking, the event was not advertised more widely. We recognise that some residents were unaware of the launch and will review our communications for future events. | Review event communications, parking and staffing requirements |
| Shade and heat | Requests for shade sails, canopies, trees and shaded seating due to high temperatures and hot play equipment. | Very High | We recognise residents’ concerns regarding the lack of shade during periods of hot weather. The Leisure and Cultural committee will be invited to consider options to increase shaded areas within the playground and recreation ground as part of the wider South Ascot Recreation Ground improvement programme. | Assess feasibility of shade provision. |
| Seating and picnic tables | Requests for additional benches, shaded seating and picnic tables within and around the playground. | High | Additional seating has been identified as a common request. The Leisure and Cultural committee will be invited to consider options as part of future improvements. | Review seating provision. |
| Toilets | Numerous requests for public toilet facilities. | High | Public toilets remain one of the most frequently requested amenities within the parish. Existing on-site facilities, including toilets, showers and changing rooms, are currently unusable as the building does not meet modern health and safety and fire safety standards due to its outdated layout and condition. The Council is therefore exploring options to either refurbish or replace the facilities to meet current requirements and community needs. The Leisure and Cultural Committee will consider future options, with the aim of providing suitable toilet facilities on site. The potential provision of a Changing Places facility to improve accessibility for people with profound and multiple disabilities and their carers is also being considered | Consider feasibility and cost implications. |
| Café / Coffee Facility | Questions regarding the container and whether a café or coffee facility is planned. | Medium | No decision has been made regarding a café facility. The current container and surrounding area remain under review as part of the wider South Ascot Recreation Ground project. Any future proposal would need to demonstrate sufficient demand and commercial viability, whilst also taking account of existing businesses within the local area. The Council is currently working to resolve the future of the existing container facility. | Include within future project update. |
| Fenced-off Area / Older Equipment | Requests for repairs and reopening of fenced-off equipment, rope swing and older play facilities. Concerns about lack of provision for older children and teenagers. | Very High | The Council is aware of the demand for facilities for older children and teenagers. The existing equipment has reached the end of its serviceable life and has been fenced off pending replacement. The Council has resolved to replace the equipment on a like-for-like basis using CIL funding. The proposal will be considered by the appropriate committee on 8 September, before being referred to Full Council on 27 October for approval. Due to the anticipated cost, any replacement will be subject to the Council’s tendering process to ensure compliance with financial regulations and best value for residents. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses. | Prepare update on equipment review. |
| Facilities for Older Children & Teenagers | Requests for climbing equipment, BMX facilities, ball courts, skate facilities and activities for teenagers. | High | Feedback regarding provision for older children and teenagers has been noted and will help inform future phases of South Ascot Recreation Ground improvements. | Include in masterplan review. |
| Accessibility & Inclusion | Questions regarding facilities for wheelchair users and inclusive play opportunities. | Low-Medium | Inclusivity and accessibility were central to the playground design. The new equipment includes accessible swings; an inclusive roundabout and a hammock swing to support children of all abilities. Particular consideration has also been given to the needs of children with SEND, with the layout providing opportunities for exploration and play, alongside quieter areas that offer respite from more active zones and support sensory regulation and wellbeing. The Council has resolved to explore the potential for PiPA (Plan Inclusive Play Areas) accreditation for the South Ascot Playground, further research into the requirements, benefits and implications of accreditation will be undertaken once the Council’s current priority projects have been completed | Review accessibility provision. |
| Water Play / Splash Pad | Requests for splash pads, water features and cooling elements. | Medium | Suggestions for water play facilities have been noted and will be considered alongside other community requests during future planning. | Record for future consideration. |
| Landscaping & Trees | Requests for additional tree planting, blossom trees and natural shade. | Medium | The council has recently approved a parish wide tree survey. Additional landscaping and tree planting opportunities will be considered by the Leisure and Cultural committee as part the parish wide tree management plan. | Review with future site plans. |
| Parking | Concerns regarding car park capacity and non-park users occupying spaces. | Low-Medium | Parking concerns have been noted and will be reviewed as part of wider site management considerations. The playground is intended primarily to serve families living within walking or cycling distance where possible, supporting healthy and sustainable travel. To help address ongoing parking issues, the Council has written to all properties in the Victoria Road area reminding residents that the limited parking available at the site is reserved for visitors to the recreation ground. Additional, limited parking is also available at Crown Hill Court. | Monitor situation. |
| Community Events | Strong support for more community events including cinema, theatre, music, picnics, family events and activities for teenagers. | High | The Council is pleased to receive positive feedback and is committed to delivering a varied programme of community events where resources allow. | Consider future event programme. |
| Positive Feedback | Numerous comments describing the playground as fantastic, well-designed, much needed and a valuable community asset. | Very High | The overwhelmingly positive feedback. It is encouraging to see residents and visitors enjoying the new facility. | None. |
| Safety Concerns | Isolated concerns regarding visibility around climbing structures and safety of some areas. | Low | Safety concerns will be reviewed as part of routine inspections and maintenance procedures. | Monitor and inspect. |
