Initial designs, in response to community consultations, needed to incorporate tunnels, swings, imaginative climbing equipment, zip-lines, spinning equipment, slides and different means of travelling between the equipment. The space is intended to cater to all age groups from 0-18 and provide continual challenges and sensory stimulation that can be built upon during a child's growth and development in the local community.
Funding for Phase 1 of the project comprises £100,000 from Community Spaces.
The scope of the project is to create a landscaped play area, with family picnic facilities and gardens that will complement and enhance a village in a conservation area with a thriving social community which at present lacks a central up-to-date enticing outdoor play area to occupy children and families in their leisure time.
The playground equipment company that was selected following a tender appraisal will also remove all the existing pieces in the park apart from the goal posts which are to remain.
The tender was awarded in accordance with the Procurement Guidance Document for the appointment of Consultants and Contractors, published by HM Treasury, and with a quality/price split of 80% and 20% respectively. The contract has been awarded to the best bid in terms of both price and quality.
The plans selected followed community consultation with residents of Elham and surrounding areas at an Open Day and some School Sessions. The selected scheme was Scheme 3 by Playdale Playgrounds Ltd - the final plans are downloadable on the right.
The Playdale Playgrounds Limited scheme was very well received by the Project Team and the public. This won more positive votes than all the other designs but also had fewer objections which was an important point to consider. The proposed design flowed well with pathways linking picnic areas and other seating areas. The request in the quotation document of having equipment that linked to each other and aerial traverses from one piece to the next were viewed as exciting. This scheme was voted overwhelmingly as the most value for money and was considered easier to maintain that Scheme 1 which also proved popular. Creative landscaping had been incorporated, and included in the price, to provide interest in the form of boulders and an area set aside for sensory planting was present.
Back to top
