A new playground especially adapted for use by handicapped youngsters looks set to be open by next week.

Planners have told The Royal Gazette that Phase One of a massive redevelopment of the old Pembroke Dump site was now nearing completion on schedule and within budget.

By the end of the week the installation of the various climbing frames and swings was nearing completion -- leaving just resurfacing work and landscaping to be finished off before youngsters can begin using the facility.

Director of Parks Designate Candy Foggo confirmed that the park should be in use within two weeks.

And then work on the next stage of the development -- the building of a basketball court and open playing field -- can begin.

"The park is going to be split into two areas for ages one to five and then a section for older children up to 12,'' Ms Foggo said.

"And the whole area is going to be wheelchair accessible with asphalt pathways and a rubberised safety surface.

"We hope to have it open in the third week of October, although we will still have some landscaping to do. Then we will go on to Phase Two. Right now that's still a concept plan of a basketball court and open playing field.'' Government earlier announced that there was a $500,000 budget to develop the site. Future plans for the area include a lake and outdoor amphitheatre.

Meanwhile, the Parks Department has issued an advisory that the park will be off limits until the end of next week.

A spokesperson said work on the playground, at Parson's Road, was expected to be completed by October 16.

"Upon completion, the general public will then have access to use the playground equipment,'' the spokesperson said.

"The cooperation of the general public is greatly appreciated in this matter.''