HBC - PLAY AREA ENHANCEMENT, PARKFIELDS

Tender description

Hertsmere Borough Council has received Section 106 money from a local development to improve the play facilities at Parkfields in Elstree. Parkfields currently has a play area which is suitable for children up to the age of eight. The council would like to extend this toddler play area and install more challenging elements outside of the fenced area to cater for up to 13 years old children. Public consultation was carried out during the 2014 summer holidays with local residents and park users to help decide what improvements should be carried out. The consultation was favourably received by park users but there are some concerns from adjacent residents, therefore the equipment selected and layout must take into consideration the neighbouring properties and target audience. To summarise, the design must include;- • Extending the toddler play area providing additional swings (including basket swing and cradle swings), a trampoline, spinning dishes and equipment which includes climbing, balancing and slide elements. This extension must be fenced with metal railings. • To use imaginative and sensory play elements to create ‘Toddlerwood’ (concept created by the local parents) within the toddler play area. • Installation of challenging play elements, utilising grass mounds, for children up to the age of 13. Once again, climbing opportunities was favourably received during the consultation. • Installation of additional sport facilities such as outdoor Table Tennis tables. Hertsmere Borough Council currently has a spare basketball post which can be used in the scheme if required. All equipment should comply with the European Safety Standards for outdoor Play Equipment, BS EN1176 and must be robust as the site is subject to vandalism. Existing play equipment includes: one set of cradle swings and one 2 bay swings (including one flat swing and one inclusive seat swing), multi unit with slide, roundabout, one small platform slide and a balance trail. In order to enhance the play area it will be acceptable within the proposal to relocate any of the existing equipment if required or to replace any items, such as the small platform slide, to provide greater play value. There is also a set of outdoor fitness equipment outside of the existing play area. Although the equipment is to be retained, it may be acceptable to relocate if it aids the overall design. Additional Information: An all-weather sports surface has been laid in the park. Some of the excavated soil from the sub-base has been left on site and should be used in the design of the new play area to create grass mounds and natural play elements. Important note: There is no site access for large vehicles. Transit size vehicle access is permitted through Allum Lane Spinney (see Plan A Parkfields Play Area Location Plan).