That’s the scenario facing children in Greatham as work has begun on £109,000 revamp.
Work to create a new playground next to the village hall begun on Monday with the site being closed for removal work.
Hopes are high that its replacement will be open by Easter with par-ish councillors approving the final plans and costings at a recent meeting.
They are also keen to get a “local dignitary” to officially open the playground, with updates being promised over the coming weeks.