Playtime in the Peak
9.0 Play Provision
We have undertaken an audit of existing Play provision within the borough on Council and Parish Council owned land and the results are summarised in Appendix 1.
We have used the audit information that we have together with other souces that have been identified through our consultation review, to identify gaps in provision or facilities that require refurbishment or review. This process has informed our bid for Big lottery funding portfolio together with our investment priorities for HPC owned sites.
The Council is currently preparing an Open Space Strategy and within this we will be mindful of the creation of local standards for leisure and recreation as set out in PPG 17.
A list of Parish Council Play areas is included at Appendix 2
10.0 Play Policy Statement: Fulfilling our Objectives
Objective One
To ensure and improve play space and play provision in terms of quality, quantity, accessibility and safety
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- Update the audit of Borough and Parish Council owned sites has recently been completed and has been used to carry out an analysis of play space in terms of quality, accessibility and safety.
- Map the provision within the Borough to identify the quantity of suitable space to enable the identification of gaps in provision.
- The Audit has enabled priorities for investment to be determined.
- Involve young people in the improvement process.
Objective Two
To ensure that play space and play provision is inclusive and meets the needs of all local children and young people
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- We will audit existing and proposed play provision to ensure that it provides access for disabled children.
- Provide clear information on the range of play facilities at different sites including details of accessibility. This information will also be useful to pram, pushchair and wheelchair users.
Objective Three
To promote greater social inclusion
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- Identify those areas that suffer from social exclusion due to factors linked to deprivation or geographical isolation and ensure that appropriate play provision is provided in these areas;
- Offer a range of play provision that will combat social exclusion where identified.
Objective Four
To develop a balance between supervised and unsupervised provision according to local need
In this context supervised means structured or guided play rather than self directed play
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- Identify as part of the mapping exercise sites that will provide supervised and unsupervised play opportunities;
- Consult with local groups and agencies to establish views on the balance between supervised and unsupervised play opportunities;
- Prepare a schedule of activities that regularly offer opportunities for structured supervised play within the Borough;
- Provide a programme for the establishment of supervised or unsupervised play opportunities where a local need has been identified.
Objective Five
To ensure that play spaces enhance the quality of the local environment for children and young people
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- Establish a quality standard for the provision of play spaces within the Borough;
- Establish a standard specification for play equipment provided within the Borough;
- Continue a programme of inspections of Play spaces and equipment;
- Continue a planned and reactive maintenance programme for play equipment that is owned by the Borough.
Objective Six
To improve the public realm as a child-friendly environment by creating safe thoroughfares and interesting and stimulating features to engage with children and young people
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- Review signage identifying public play spaces at a local level;
- Encourage road safety initiatives in areas where children travel to play spaces;
- Create themed play trails within the public realm to encourage walking and promote access to play spaces;
- Investigate the creation of Home Zones as areas where children can have more freedom to play in a safe environment close to their home.
Objective Seven
To provide a clear framework for investment priorities, action and workforce development
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- Publish clear criteria for investment priorities for play provision within the Borough;
- Identify in priority order, investment priorities for the borough and using capital programme and other sources of funding;
- Identify investment priorities for sites that are not in Borough council ownership.
Objective Eight
To make clear links to other relevant strategies and plans in the borough
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- Identify relevant strategies and partners that will be affected by the strategy and consult with them on the preparation of the strategy;
- Establish a Play Partnership that will include key partners involved in the delivery of play provision;
- Promote and share best practice in play provision;
- Identify opportunities, being innovative and flexible.
Objective Nine
To make the best use of the natural environment and public realm
In order to achieve this objective we will undertake the following actions:
- Utilise partnership working with Groundwork to facilitate opportunities for youth engagement in the Public realm;
- Identify and promote sites where the natural environment provides quality play experiences;
- Improve access to natural environment play sites;
- Maximise the play value of the natural environment on existing formal /equipped sites.
