Project Title

PLAY EQUIPMENT

Code

R3

Project summary

Play equipment encourages the use of open spaces by a range of children and young people. Play equipment could include an adventure trail. Most existing facilities are fairly similar and unimaginative - consisting mainly of swings, slides and sometimes metal climbing frames, all installed on a hard surface area. New play equipment should offer more diverse play opportunities to better meet recreation needs of children.

Project management

Children should be involved in the design and some of the construction work of these new play areas. Monitoring system to ensure damaged and vandalised equipment is cleaned up, repaired, replaced or adapted to prevent recurrence. Most play areas should have fences to exclude dogs and contain young children. Environmental stewards or local parents to monitor the site for vandalism, litter, glass, etc.

Project locations

Large and small sites throughout the area.

Planning permission

YES

Project links

Environmental stewards (A6) to monitor and clean.
Young Persons Environment Team (C7) to help with design and construction where possible.
Community barbecue (R6).
Locally produced art trail (T4).
Events located near play areas.

Economic Implications

Funding - set up costs

Cost of design, construction and installation high.

Sources of funding: National Lottery, NOF.

Funding - running costs

Continued monitoring and maintenance sites.

Employment

Local contractors to supply materials, construct and repair, etc.

Tourism

Useful resource for families visiting the area.

Social Implications

Community involvement

Wide-scale consultation with planning for real exercises would promote 'community ownership', and promote the use and care of the play facilities.

Schools involvement

Schools could be involved in the design work.

Recreational benefits

Consultations held as part of the Manor and Castle SRB feasibility study demonstrated a high demand for exciting play equipment that is not easily vandalised.

Environmental Implications

Local Agenda 21

Locally sourced materials should be used where possible.

Wildlife

Of little or no benefit to wildlife.

Project viability

Constraints

High design, construction and maintenance costs.
The need for specialist advice.