Councillors and residents have warned that Albert Road Recreation Ground in Caversham isn't accessible enough for older people and those with disabilities.
Complaints include a pedestrian gate off Richmond Road that wheelchair users can't get through, slanted pavements in Albert Road that make pushing a wheelchair hard, no disabled bays in the car park, and playground equipment and surfaces (wood chippings and sand) that don't meet the needs of children with disabilities.
The issues were raised by Cllr Isobel Ballsdon after visiting the park with Caversham Heights Cubs. She asked a leisure lead councillor to visit the site and work on fixes.
"Residents have raised the current lack of accessibility at Albert Road Recreation Ground with me.
"Has the council considered potential improvements to ensure the space is inclusive and accessible to all members of the community, and will the lead member for leisure agree to meet with a group of my ward residents and me at the site to discuss these issues?
Adele Barnett-Ward, the council's lead councillor for leisure, replied the park has recently had a six-figure upgrade and set out wider investment in local green spaces.
"Reading's Labour Council maintains over eighty parks and open spaces and has invested more than £1.7 million since 2024 and £3.5 million since 2021 in public play and sports facilities in those parks and open spaces.
"Albert Road Recreation Ground was one of my nearest playgrounds when my children were younger, so I know it very well and have spent a great deal of time there.
"The council made improvements to Albert Road Recreation Ground last year: a £100,000 investment that refurbished the popular and free-to-use tennis courts, improved the car park layout and provided a new wheelchair-accessible entrance.
"We are also looking to refresh the car park markings. I have not received any representations from residents about accessibility at Albert Road Recreation Ground, so I would encourage them, and of course cllr Ballsdon, to email me with their specific concerns. I will also be happy to bring council officers to meet ward councillors and residents at the park to discuss these concerns in situ."
The exchange happened at the council's housing, neighbourhoods and leisure committee meeting on Tuesday 10 March. A petition to make the recreation ground accessible to all is live on the Reading Central Conservatives website.
Both Cllr Ballsdon and Cllr Barnett-Ward are standing in the borough council elections on Thursday 7 May 2026.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
