SCORES of families have been making the most of a new soft play facility.
The play area opened last weekend at Romsey Rapids Sports Complex in Southampton Road.
Places Leisure, which runs the centre in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council, has designed the areas for children, aged eight and under.
It has features slides, soft spaces and ball pits.
Jo Gregory, from Chandler's Ford, was at the area with her three-year-old son Jacob for the first time on Saturday.
She said: "It was lovely. Jacob really enjoyed it and it was about right for his age. It's not too big or noisy, sometimes the bigger ones can be overwhelming for the younger kids,. Plus it is right next to a Costa so that was a win for me.
"It is new, and it was really clean, and the staff were about if you needed them, plus it has a secure entrance, which is reassuring to know that the kids are not going to run off."
Three-year-old Bethany Gain and her friend Jessica Brooks, also three, had a great time.
Jessica's mum Fran Brooks, from Romsey, said: "They loved it. It was so much fun. I am over the moon that this place has opened in Romsey as there's not many places for us to go.
"It is nice that it is smaller as the bigger places can be overwhelming. This place was fresh, very clean and there's a Costa right next to it.
"I loved it as there was no loud music either, so you could hear your children and have a conversation."
Places Leisure said it will be investing in more areas at the Rapids in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council.
Test Valley Borough Council’s portfolio holder for community and leisure, councillor David Drew, said: "I’m pleased that Romsey Rapids is now able to offer yet another addition to its brilliant facilities in time for the Easter holidays.
"I hope that families are able to enjoy this over the coming months.”
Future plans include a refurbishment of the crazy golf course and the members’ changing rooms. Both areas are looking to progress before summer 2022.
Entrance to the soft play costs £5, or is free for premium members.
The soft play is open Monday to Friday 9am until midday, and 12.30pm until 5pm. Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am until 12.30pm, and 1pm until 4pm.
Message from the editor
Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.
Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news by sharing this story or by following and liking our Facebook page.
Kimberley Barber
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here