Radstock Town Council has been working hard to get phase two of their refurbishment plan for the Tom Huyton Play Park completed. They announced on Thursday, 11th January, that the facilities are open again for children to enjoy.

The first phase, which commenced in 2022, saw the replacement of the ability whirl and instalment of a chair swing, both of which are accessible to all.

On the 20th November, a Changing Places toilet facility was installed as part of a collaboration between the Town Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council.

In the Autumn of 2023, work began on phase two. This time, improving the centre of the park, Radstock Town Council focused on refurbishing the multi-play unit and zip wire during their recent works. A new multi-pondo and a bespoke play area, depicting a train station complete with carriages and ticket office has been installed, displaying the original Radstock West station name, platforms and timetable formerly used by trains running through Radstock. Wetpour surfacing was also restored underneath the new instalments.

Tom Huyton play park was first installed in 1988 and some of the equipment is still original. The Town Council are working to replace and restore the equipment to make the park more accessible to all.

Radstock Town Council said: "Phase 2 having just been completed was the biggest part of the plan as a lot of surface repairs were also required. At the same time we have again completed essential repairs throughout all areas of the park. 

"We have also been supported incredibly by BANES who have supported works in and around the park too! This included the installation of the amazing changing places toilet, groundworks, fencing, tree works and the new shipping containers for Sustrans, All Cycle Bath and West and The Active Way projects.  Phase 3 will be for the younger toddler area, followed by the iconic octiplay unit. The Town Council hopes to achieve this within the next 3-4 years. This year (2024-2025) will see a slight break for any major changes, while the Council plan and raise funds.

They said "We continue to explore at sources of funding and grants to help us. We appreciate the park was closed a little longer than expected but hope that everyone loves the new kit and train station. Any comments and feedback are always welcome and we will be back out for consultation and feedback soon!"