Vale Park

Park

Explorer Tom

Vale Park is Aylesbury's answer to the person who says a central park cannot do much. It offers trees and flower beds for a breather, then a play area, a skate park and courts for anyone who still has energy. There is space to sit and space to get moving; choose your own level of ambition. Buckinghamshire Council describes it as the town's main central park. The broad paths link planted beds, open grass, seating and a fenced play space for children aged roughly two to fourteen. The play equipment includes a wide slide, a disc roundabout and other inclusive pieces. There are also tennis courts, a hard-surfaced games area, outdoor exercise equipment and a skate park. The neighbouring Aqua Vale centre has swimming and a café, though it is a separate indoor attraction. Walk through the flower beds first, then see what is happening at the skate park. A public garden can be a meeting place, a practice ground and a brief escape from shopping bags all in the same hour. If a child insists on inspecting every piece of play equipment, you may discover that the benches are the park's most valuable invention. The Green Flag award suggests the council has been minding the details. Vale Park is reached from Park Street by hard-surfaced paths and is free to enter. Public toilets include disabled facilities; the nearby Aqua Vale car park charges, and tennis courts require a booking and small fee. Check separate opening and booking details for the pool, café and sports areas. Bring a picnic or just twenty spare minutes.