Residents are being consulted on the type of play equipment they would like to see in the park
An example of a large climbing frame with slide
Ivybridge residents are being asked to help South Hams District Council to spend £25,000 on new play equipment for their local play park.
Last year, over 300 people got involved to tell the Council what changes they would like to see to make The Spinney a better space for people of all ages. As well as asking for improvements to the wildlife pond area and tree planting, 78% of people commented that they would like to see more play equipment.
Now the Council is once again asking local people to have their say and help choose exactly what play equipment is bought. Taking into account the most popular suggestions from the earlier consultation and the budget available, the choices are between:
Option A – a large climbing frame, which can be used by several children at the same time and provides a range of play features
Option B – a smaller climbing frame and a roundabout/spinner
Option C – a zip wire and a roundabout/spinner
You can have your say and choose your favourite option by completing the survey at: www.southhams.gov.uk/woodlandsplay
After the consultation closes, the Council is hoping for a swift turnaround with the new play equipment hoped to be in place by the autumn. The new items will be positioned close to the existing junior swings.
South Hams District Councillor, Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our original consultation identified that people felt that the existing playground is more suited to younger children. We were told that there is a need for better play equipment for 6 to 11 year olds. We also had some great suggestions of the sorts of activities our young residents enjoy and ideas for their ‘dream playground’.
“As a result, we’ve earmarked £25,000 and have come up with some different options of play equipment which could work in the space. Now it’s back over to local residents - we want to know which option is your favourite. If you have a young family or grandchildren, please let us know which piece(s) of equipment get your vote by completing our quick online survey at www.southhams.gov.uk/woodlandsplay.”
The money for the improvement project has largely come from the section 106 agreement made with Persimmon Homes, the firm behind the local Harford Mews development.
Local residents will already have seen some improvements being made at the park. This includes work on the wildlife pond area, including the pond dipping area. The plan to plant new trees has got underway and new benches have also been put in place.
Please complete the online survey and have your say at: www.southhams.gov.uk/woodlandsplay
The consultation closes at midnight on Friday 6 August 2021.