Loughton Parish Council - Review of Loughton play areas.
Date: 9th March 2012
Author: Andy Sargent
This is quite a basic summary of the condition for the public play areas in Loughton, Milton Keynes and was undertaken in order to assess whether grant funding should be sort to improve these areas.
The references used to identify each area are the same used in a recent review commissioned by the MK Council. Within that review can be found the reviewers considered professional opinion of the equipment’s condition whereas my opinion is merely that of an individual with a good working knowledge of manufacturing and maintenance of general equipment. Not having the benefit of children I can only give my view of whether there are sufficient or the correct type of activities, however each area visited (apart from one were all pieces have been removed I assume by the MK Council) did appear to have a reasonable number and variety of types.
I will not list each piece of equipment as these can be found in the professional review carried out recently however I will quote my opinion within each section.
Play Area Site - LOUG01-End of Rushleys Close, Loughton (adjacent to the allotments)
This area has a mix of pieces for younger children and 'exercise/climbing' equipment for older children.
The surface is of the correct Wet Pour material and in reasonably good condition. All the pieces seemed pretty sound and apart from the painted pieces having a freshen up all seemed in order therefore no immediate requirement for attention.
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Loughton Parish Council - Review of Loughton play areas cont.
Play Area Site – LOUG02 – South Side of Sports Ground.
The 'official' report stated that all the equipment in this area was poor and it looks as if the council has removed it to avoid possible injuries.
The surface is Wet Pour material and apart from a covering of moss looks as if it could be resurrected without too much cost. However the question has to be asked whether it is worth investing in new equipment as this does not look like a site well used as it is in a rather obscure part of the park. One of the nearest housing developments with easy access is Cavendish Court, a sheltered housing project for older people therefore I cannot see many of those using this area for entertainment or exercise.
The main problem I see is the condition of the pathway around the sports ground which can only be described as very poor which could have a bearing on why this area was not well used.
This is a picture of the footpath in front of the Sports & Social Club but is a fair representation of the condition of the path around the complete field. Surface is so poor it is quite difficult to cycle on let alone wheel a pushchair, for a child to cycle on or indeed Motability scooters therefore will detract greatly from the area being used for pleasure purposes. I appreciate this does not fall into the funding accessible for the improvement of children's play areas but most be considered HIGH PRIORITY for future improvement requests.
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Play Area Site – LOUG03 – Quoted in the report as 'Sports ground behind pavilion' but is actually to the north side of the sports field.
This is quite a significant play area in Loughton but due to the condition of the foot path leading to it on the sports ground side it is not that inviting for the same reasons quoted in the previous review (LOUG02) however there is also access from Hoppers Meadow. The surface is Wet Pour in reasonable condition apart from a part on the BMX area where the side is breaking away.
Now that the vegetation to the sports ground side by the foot path has been cleared it is more visible and therefore more attractive for use.
Some maintenance has taken place recently with the painting of the round-a-bout.
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Loughton Parish Council - Review of Loughton play areas cont.
Play Area Site – LOUG03 – Quoted in the report as 'Sports ground behind pavilion' but is actually to the north side of the sports field cont.
The very modest BMX area is in need of repair as the tarmac is breaking away to one corner and a piece of the ascot rail fencing is missing. I cannot image this is used that much for BMX as the contours are modest and the whole area not that big.
Another concern is that of a large wooden wall that was built at the back of area which does not seem to have any useful purpose but in fact is quite intimidating and only useful for someone to lurk behind with evil intent. This does create a very hostile environment especially at dusk.
Unless there is some very strong reason why it was erected in the first place my suggestion is that this is removed therefore opening up the area and making it more attractive and safer.
Another area that could make this site more attractive is cleaning and painting of the pergola type entrances as these are very shabby and not at all inviting.
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Loughton Parish Council - Review of Loughton play areas cont.
Play Area Site – LOUG04 – Ashpole Furlong Crescent
This play area sits on high ground thus giving a nice view of Loughton and is in a very open and sunny site with a reasonable amount of public seating in the surrounding open space.
Surface is Wet Pour and in good condition.
Activities consist of mainly a climbing structure and slide.
Structure is made of wood and some pieces are showing signs of rot therefore could do with replacing and the whole structure given a fresh coat of paint.
Whether there is scope or a need for more play equipment i.e. swing, see-saw etc., would need further investigation.
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Play Area Site – LOUG05 – Local Park on Redland Drive at end of Linceslade Grove.
This is a nice area set down within the local park which also includes a number of picnic tables and benches. The equipment comprises of larger climbing frames, slide and swings.
Most of the equipment is very robust and suitable for adults. My only criticism of this area is that the majority of the surface is grass therefore making it quite unsuitable to use when wet. In my opinion it would benefit from the installation of the correct hard surface i.e. Wet Pour thus making the area more usable following wet weather and through the winter.
The seating could do with maintenance and a wood treatment to freshen it up and preserve to avoid replacement for longer.
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Loughton Parish Council - Review of Loughton play areas cont.
Play Area Site – No Number on report – Linceslade Grove opposite Bignell Croft
This is a modest play area sited next to a foot path with three 'Crazy Horse Rockers' and that’s it.
Surface is Wet Pour and in good condition. All the Crazy Horses wiggle quite freely when pushed.
Summary
On the 'official' report a number of pieces are past there what is considered 'End of Life' so should these be replaced by the council as part for their normal maintenance budget or are LPC expected to make a contribution. Also although these pieces are considered beyond their end of life are they expected to be used if considered as 'safe' and who makes that decision.
For example the Multiplay unit at Ashpole Furlong is quoted as having an end of life as 29 January 2011. From my modest experience of life this looks like a reasonably expensive piece plus removing the old piece and fitting new I would guess we are looking at a figure of circa £1250 - £1750 probably more. Are LPC required to budget for their replacement? A question too be asked.
My suggestion would be (figures quoted are my guesstimate and should be authenticated before used officially):
LOUG04 Repairing and painting the Multiplay equipment at Ashpole Furlong - £750
LOUG05 Surfacing the play area on Redland Drive Local Park with Wet Pour or similar thus making this area more suitable of all year use - £2500
LOUG03 Remove the wooden wall at the rear of the play area at the Sports ground north thus opening up a rather intimidating area - £350
Repair the surface and replace the fence by the BMX area - £400
Paint all other equipment and clean the surface to brighten up the place - £1000
LOUG02 South of the Sports field where equipment has been taken away. In my opinion until the foot path is refaced this area would not be used sufficiently to warrant spending on new equipment.
Over and above this resurfacing the foot path around the sports ground and painting a number of structures that form part of but are not actual play equipment must not be forgotten. Should the perimeter path of the sports field have a decent surface this could encourage it to be used for jogging and running with a possible spin off that some may utilise the Sports and Social Club for refreshments.
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