Pleshey Parish Council is raising money to pay for new play equipment. Would you like to contribute? Play equipment has become very expensive, and this project will cost between £20-£30,000. We have some funds (£10,000) already allocated to the equipment, and we are working to secure other funding. The more funding we can collect, the more play equipment we can provide. We invite local residents to contribute via this platform, or contact any member of the Parish Council if you have any other questions. We aim to install a new obstacle course and a climbing and adventure frame, with den, climbing wall, and as much play opportunity as possible. We aim to buy the most durable, repairable equipment to ensure it gives the longest enjoyment for the children of Pleshey. We have agreed that Sovereign Play Ltd, based in Southend, will be our supplier and we aim to install the equipment over Summer and Autumn 2022.

What we'll deliver:

• A climbing frame. https://sovereignplayequipment.co.uk/?s=thumper
• An obstacle course. https://sovereignplayequipment.co.uk/playground-sports-fitness-equipment/fitness-trails/

Why it's a great idea:

This project will replace two large pieces of equipment that had to be removed at the end of their safe life. The sad old Fort, which the children loved for many years, had to be removed - see picture in the Gallery. Click on "Gallery" to see pictures of intended new equipment, and some of the lovely images provided by the children for our consultation. This will add to the remaining play equipment, and continue to provide a safe and fun play space close to the middle of the village for the local children. The Golden Jubilee Playground is the only playground in Pleshey and is popular with children and families inside and around the village.

Steps to get it done:

• Select suppliers
• Award contract/s to supply new equipment
• Installation of first new play equipment
• Installation of final play equipment.
• Celebration

The Parish Council has recently removed some overhanging branches to let more light in. This reduces damp and decay on paly equipment and makes the grass better for play. At the same time, the Parish Council is working to 1) make the entrance at the road safer by increasing visibility, by installing visible entrance posts and warning signs. We are also campaigning to reduce the speed limit. 2) contract a local company to keep vegetation round the perimeter tidy and maximise the grass area for play. 3) make the hedges and trees around the playground as valuable as possible as natural habitat. With the help of the children we aim to install educational features including a "bug hotel", bird boxes, hedgehog boxes etc, to enable children to see these installations at work.