South Invercargill's Russell Square playground is getting a facelift.

Work began this week with Invercargil City Council (ICC) Parks and Recreation staff and contractors removing poplar trees from its eastern boundary on Elles Rd.

ICC Parks and Recreation Manager Caroline Rain said work would start with the installation of a new fence, then upgrades within the park and replanting along the new fence line.

“Our community have told us they want the poplars removed – they make it harder for motorists to see little ones if they make a run for it out of the park and they cause a slippery mess on the road. We’re so pleased to be adding a fence along that eastern side to help keep our tamariki safe, which we will plant out in time," she said.

“Later in the year we will also adding more fencing, parking, paving, a drinking fountain and a new see-saw.”

Russell Square will be closed from Wednesday, April 20 in order to keep everyone safe while work is carried out, Rain said.

“Some of the work we are doing will require traffic management. Between Wednesday, April 20 and Sunday, April 24 there will be detours in place as we close part of Elles Rd in order to fell the poplar trees. Residents will still be able to access their properties and businesses and the road will re-opened betwen 5.30pm and 7am on those days.”

Traffic will be asked to detour around Russell Square via Dalrymple St, Ness St and Balmoral Dr, she said.

This road closure will also affect pedestrians walking on parts of the south side of Balmoral Dr between Elles Rd and Ness St.

Tree work is expected to be completed by Tuesday, April 26, when the park will re-open.