9:59am Friday 3rd September 2010
The site of the Brent Park play area has always been one of the free open meadows in this part of Hendon.
It is populated by fine native trees and has Mutton Brook running along the bottom.
Comparing the pictures of open space that was there previously with the railed-in play area which is there now, is enough to make one weep (‘Play area was illegal’, Times Series, August 26). As someone with several grandchildren, I fully support the need for a play area nearby, but it should be on the south side of Bell Lane/ Bridge Lane in Brent Park, as originally planned.
Quite apart from that, the play equipment installed was described by my own play area “experts” variously aged from five to 13, as “rubbish”. Frankly, I agree that it was an insult to children, if not downright dangerous. What were those rocks doing in a children’s play area? Why the stoned run-up to the slide that invites injury?
Barnet has done some great play areas, such as those in Windsor Open Space, Sunnyhill Park and Hendon Park, but got this one hopelessly wrong. Please think again.
John Goldman, Southbourne Crescent, Hendon
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