A NEW £500,000 Southampton play area is to be unveiled this weekend.

Saints legend Francis Benali, inset, is set to cut the ribbon after the opening of the park had been delayed by bad weather in the summer.

The new facilities have been developed by Southampton City Council, with designers listening to residents, schools and community groups on how they wanted the space to be used.

Featuring a 7.5-metre high play tower with rope bridges, tunnels and a slide, it also has a variety of swings and a water area that will run all year round.

The park, which can hold 700 children, will open on Sunday.

City councillor for environment and transport, Jacqui Rayment, will also help to open the equipment to the public. She said: “An investment in our play areas and outdoor spaces is an investment in our children’s future.

“Providing great spaces for kids to get outdoors and for families to get active together is incredibly important and contributes to a child’s healthy development both physically and mentally.

“I’m sure that many special memories will be made here in the years to come.”

The space was supposed to open at the end of August in time for the close of the school summer holidays.

Cllr Rayment said that on one week, no work could be done due to the site becoming waterlogged.

Former Saints star Benali will cut the ribbon on Sunday at midday.

He said: “It gives me great pleasure to cut the ribbon at the ceremony.

“As a young boy growing up I spent endless hours playing on The Common and have so many special memories.

“I’m delighted that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy this area and create their own happy memories.”

The main attraction of the park will be the ‘tree nest’ play area, with around 360 tonnes of sand used at the park, which will be able to hold up to 700 children.