Mapping of Play Provision
Play Investment Strategy
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has undertaken a robust mapping exercise, identifying the scale of and need for play infrastructure across the borough. Part of this mapping exercise required us to set a local standard. It is proposed that the local standard is: ‘That the majority of households within towns and villages will be within a maximum of 500 metres (a ten minute walk) radius of a fixed play area.’
A number of Elected Member workshops, including District Electoral Area (DEA) workshops were held in 2019 and 2020 to discuss The Play Investment Strategy which included the design principles for all future fixed play area refurbishments and the criteria for progressing new play areas.
However, consideration must be given to differing needs and play options in rural and urban areas, as it is not always possible to have fixed play in small settlements as defined by the Council’s Planning Department.
• Provide inclusive play experiences
In 2017 there were approximately 26,212 children aged 0 – 15 years in Mid and East Antrim. The map below shows the locations of our play areas and the population of children in each ward.
Some of the design principles agreed include; • The requirement to meet agreed safety standards
• Provide safety surfacing which is safe and in keeping with the surrounding environment • Sustainable, value for money procurement methods For each of the play area designations the following level of investment has been agreed Designation
Walking distance Level of to play area investment
Local
600m
£75,000
Neighbourhood
1000m
£130,000
Destination
5000m
£500,000
Transformation*
-
Up to £20,000
Transformation of Play Areas Where a play area no longer meets local needs, e.g. through change in demographics or through duplication in provision, the area could be transformed into a community space for alternative use by local residents. Transformation projects would only be considered when a play area has reached the end of its life and is no longer fit for purpose and it is not safe to open. In considering how to transform the area consideration should be given to those living near the old play area and residents and Elected Members must be consulted on any proposals.
Duplication of Play Areas Across the Borough there are a number of areas that have two or more play areas in close proximity to each other. The council has 69 play areas and although some of these have been refurbished or replaced in recent years a significant number are in urgent need of investment. It is not feasible to invest in all play areas so areas of duplication need reviewed. MEA Out to Play Strategy 2019-2023
When reviewing which play parks should be replaced and when they should be replaced it has been agreed that the following points need to be considered: • Proximity to other fixed play provision; • What is the status of each park; » Age of existing equipment » Play Value Score (location, measure of engagement and maintenance;) • Have the demographics changed since the parks were initially installed, i.e. how many children in the area? • Is there community consent to reduce the number of parks? For example an area that has three local play parks, is there community support to create one larger neighbourhood play park and either transform the other two local play parks into new community spaces or allow them to remain open until they are no longer fit for purpose. •P roximity to other community assets, e.g. schools, community centres, beaches, tourism offerings etc
Criteria or A New Play Park There are areas with more than one play park and there are also areas with no play parks or play areas. The Council have 69 play parks and a significant capital budget is required to replace the older play parks as well as an annual revenue budget to maintain the existing play parks. Therefore, in considering requests for a new play park the following criteria should be assessed: • Identified local need (demographics and consultation); • Proximity to other fixed play provision; • Availability of Council/publicly owned land nearby; • Safe and easy access for users – good footpaths, greenways etc. so children can walk to the play area; • Opportunities for partnership working, e.g. by partnering with schools to enable community use of school play facilities; • Links to tourism and economic development objectives; and • Preference to be given where new play park would replace two or more existing play areas.
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