CHILDREN in Arnold are playing on an unfinished playground on the King George V Playing Fields.
Parents have expressed a concern at the lack of communication from Gedling Borough Council, who began work on January 21, to tell them when the site will be open to the public.
The kids have been accessing the site through fencing that has been put up, and once some children are inside, others assume it's safe.
The new play area has slides, swings, rope wall, a cable swing and an area for younger children.
Mother-of-two Sarah Lewin, of Charles Street, said: "We were told it was going to be open in March and has appeared open several times when we've walked past. Over the bank holiday weekend there was around 30 kids in there."
Sarah added that when she sees others using the new equipment she would assume it was complete, despite the fencing.
"When you see the fence open, you don't know whether the workmen have said it's ok or not," she added.
Her daughter Megan, 6, who attends Arnold View primary school, said: "I'm excited for the swing and sad it's not open yet. If I saw other children playing I'd join in."
Another parent, Claire Smith, 29, of Central Avenue, said: "I let my children play on it because we live so close and they have been watching other kids using it. You can't keep saying no!"
Michael Higgins, 36, and Amanda Hempshall, 26, walked their kids down from Calverton Road, and Tristan, 8, Paige, 6, and Kaiden, 4, were left disappointed when they realised it was closed.
Michael said: "We brought them down because we saw it open earlier and the parks near us don't have all this. Now we're going to have to walk all the way back."
Paul Key, a governor at Arnold View primary, said: "Parents and children alike just want a date when they know it will be open. Many children have rushed into the King George V playing Fields tempted by the newly installed play equipment, only to return with saddened eyes and looks of disappointment on their faces."
He added that he was concerned for the safety of children playing near machinery that may have been left by workmen who are still active on the site.
Gedling Borough Council say the official opening of the play area is imminent.
Councillor Michael Payne, Portfolio Holder for Communications said:
"The safety of the children using the park is our first priority and contractors will not let us open the park until they are happy that it meets health and safety regulations."
He said all security signs and provisions were in place while the access to the site is prohibited.
"We ask that parents do not allow their children onto the site while under construction as any damage done to the equipment will delay the opening. We expect the park to be handed over to us in the next week and we will then be able to let local residents enjoy the facilities safely," he said.
