THE latest round of upgrades to parks in the Bromsgrove district will be getting underway in the next few weeks.

Three parks in Rubery, Marlbrook and Aston Fields are getting brand new community-influenced designs over the next few weeks, for Bromsgrove District Council's first upgrades of 2014.

The work at Aston Fields Recreation Ground is costing £93,000. The Braces Lane Recreation Ground work is costing £50,000, while the work at Rubery Recreation Ground is costing £65,000.

The improvements include a wide range of new play equipment, landscaping and planting, safety surfacing, pathways, benches and litter bins.

Bromsgrove District Councillor Michael Webb, who is responsible for leisure services, said: "I am delighted to unveil these extensive improvements to three parks.

"When you look at the parks we've upgraded recently, it’s no wonder kids love them so much. The quality of modern play equipment is amazing especially when you consider what we had just a generation ago.

“At every local consultation event we carry out people tell us that these key facilities are important to them, and we will continue our work to improve and maintain the district's 70-plus parks and open spaces.”

The designs of the new Aston Fields and Braces Lane Recreation Grounds were heavily influenced by feedback from residents during consultation events in the parks last summer.

In Rubery, Bromsgrove District Council officers spent time with children at Beaconside Primary and Nursery School going through three possible schemes for the local St Chad's Park, to see what youngsters most wanted.

Work is scheduled to start first in St Chad's Park, Rubery, this Monday, January 27.

Work will then take place in Aston Fields Play Area in the week starting Monday, February 10, and in the park in Braces Lane, Marlbrook, in the week commencing February 24.

All the works are weather permitting.

Play facilities in Hanbury, Stoke Heath were similarly improved in 2013, and in Sanders Park in 2012, as the district council continued to put to use money that property developers have paid towards local amenities during the planning process - known as section 106 contributions.