Playground Update – 6 January 2016
Since obtaining the grant from Wren more parents have viewed the proposed plans and everyone seems to like the general design using predominantly wood frames and they approve of the decision to use a local constructor who has proven credentials having built playgrounds at Ardley, Hethe, Steeply Aston, Middle Barton and Somerton.
There were a few specific suggestions which have been looked at as follows:
A couple of parents asked if an in-ground trampoline could be incorporated and suggested it could be funded by retaining the existing swings and possibly not building the shelter. Their view was that the swings were perfectly acceptable and another piece of equipment would be better than a covered shelter.
A trampoline is certainly a popular item but upon further investigation the cost of installing one is in the region of £5000. It is also difficult to maintain as it requires specialist tools to access the underside where over time weeds and rubbish tend to accumulate, as can be seen at Ardley.
With regard to retaining the existing swings, the ground surface needs replacing in order to meet current safety regulations and so there will be little saving in this area by retaining the old swings. They would also not look in keeping with the rest of the playground.
Whilst a couple of people questioned the need for the shelter, a majority think it is a good idea, not only for sheltering from the odd shower but also as a shaded area to sit under on hot summer days. It was also an important consideration in demonstrating to WREN that the playground was not just for tiny tots but also for older children to have somewhere in the village to sit and chat. It is purposely designed as an open construction and located to the front of the playground with no hiding places!
A further suggestion was put forward by a number of parents for another play unit that is very popular at Ardley and Hethe – that of a basket swing which has a broad age appeal. The cost of such a unit is circa £1600 plus additional wood chip ground cover but this is felt to be an acceptable cost for a versatile piece of equipment.
Trevor Stewart, who is the builder, was asked to come up with a revised design and the following summarises the key points of the latest plan:
- Add a basket swing and locate where the new Rotator was planned to go;
- Move the Rotator to the open area to the right at the front of the playground where there is currently a table and seating area which will be surplus to requirement;
- Remove the Camel Springer altogether (which has seen better days) rather than repositioning it, as there is insufficient room for it now that the Rotator has been repositioned;
- Move the open-sided shelter closer to the entrance gate;
- The surface area covered with wood chip is to be increased and new rubber is to be laid around the vintage horse (which will be restored in situ) and also under the shelter plus plastic matting under the rotator and basket swing;
- The ground works will be scheduled for March and a skip will be located between the BT fibre box and the tree on the public land outside of the wall;
- Construction and installation will take place in April;
- Some provision will need to be made for restrictions to parking on the road outside the playground during March and April.
Taking these changes into account and since the original quote last year, the overall cost is now some £33,000 but thanks to the specific playground reserve fund that has been built up by the Parish Council and the grant of £26,000, we have the available money. We believe that given the limited space and funds available, that the revised plan meets the majority of expectations and is a great step forward for Stratton Audley. As a result the Parish Council approved the plan at their meeting on 6th January 2016.
