The idea
Our village playing field has a children’s play area. In 2019 the main piece of equipment was removed for safety reasons and now needs replacing . We are planning to build a new hard wood timber play structure which combines a wide range of physical activities (Est cost ££30,000). We will also be replacing rotten fencing and gates around the area (Est cost £6,300).
The children's play area has been a major attraction for parents and grandparents to bring their children for exercise and play. Popularity dropped without the play equipment for them to clamber over so we are now planning to re-vitalise the area to encourage families and children back to the playing field.
We consulted with our village community. The play equipment was then designed by Kompan to offer a range of activities to challenge and encourage children to play and exercise.
While parents are engaged in other activities at the field it is great for them to have a safe and fun area for their children to play.
What we'll deliver
- New long lasting play equipment
Why it's a great idea
The play facility encourages parents to bring children to play, as well as getting the children to motivate their parents to come and enjoy the field and meet up with other families.
We already have swings and play equipment for younger children but nothing for 7 - 14 year olds. The use of the play area encourages exercise, communication and develops imagination in children. It also teaches sharing and will overall benefit mental health.
After Covid, where children have been isolated and unable to play together, there is an urgent need to get children exercising and interacting with one another.
The playing field has provided the venue for nearly all the major recent national celebrations with parties, Royal weddings etc., bringing the village together and creating a great feeling of community. The upgraded play area will encourage greater use of the facility.
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Steps to get it done
- Securing funding to proceed with project
- Placing order for delivery of project
- Commissioning of project
- Celebration and opening ceremony
A small committee manages the field. We rely on community support at our fund raising events and the AGM which are generally well supported.
In 2017 we surveyed the village for their views and ideas to replace the very old cricket pavilion to assist in the design of the building to meet a range of needs. The objective was to build a "sports pavilion" which would be multi-use and meet a number of needs and built to comply with Building Regulations. Volunteers undertook various tasks in conjunction with the main contractors. These included general labouring, moving materials, installing insulation, painting and decorating and supplying tea and cake to the workers.
The community has been involved in the concept and design of the equipment for our play area project and will hopefully undertake some of the construction tasks to reduce costs and to create a feeling of involvement and ownership.
We have held a coffee morning to display our proposals and invoke discussion on the proposals.
