Thank you to everyone who took the time to give views on the proposed improvements for Tan y Fron play area. We received feedback from 71 residents.
The playground team has evaluated all the feedback and we are now putting together a design based on the feedback results.
Ages
There was a very similar preference for play provision for all ages ranging from 18 months to 7+ years. We will try to include improvements for all ages, but as there is already a large basket swing and a climbing frame for older children we want to focus on providing for younger children.
Play equipment
There was a strong preference for the boat themed multi-play unit so we will include a nautical theme in the design.
On questions about particular play equipment, residents told us they preferred:
- wheelchair accessible roundabout
- balance beam
- cradle swings and flat swings
- spinning bowl
- spring riders of various designs
We already have a basket swing which is designed to be accessible and we will be installing new safety surfacing underneath. We will be adding more inclusive play provision with a wheelchair inclusive roundabout.
We will not be adding to the number of swings but they will be replaced and relocated with new safety surfacing. We hope the new additional equipment will ease the number of children wanting to use the swings.
We intend to keep the pull-up bars, these will be re-painted and the surfacing will be replaced.
There are benches already in the play area but we will be adding more seating close to the new play equipment.
In line with the feedback, we are planning on locating the new equipment to the right hand side of the main entrance gate, with the roundabout close to the entrance. The new flat and cradle swings will be located further from the entrance.
Other considerations
The new equipment will not be manufactured in wood. The life expectancy of galvanised steel or aluminium equipment is double that of wood. Metal equipment also requires considerably less maintenance, which is something we must consider.
Once the new equipment is installed we will look at planting more trees in or around the park. From experience, we have found that it is very difficult and expensive to establish new trees in playgrounds as the trees get damaged (either through play or intentionally).
We do not encourage playing football in the children’s play area, so we will not be providing any facilities with the fenced area. There are 2 goals on the football pitch just outside the playground.