Play_Park_Strategy_2021-2030

44 Play Park Hierarchy Play parks are defined in extent and scope under three main categories as defined by the Fields in Trust (FIT, formerly National Playing Fields Association) 2008 as follows: Type Description Guidance specification Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) Recommended for areas with a population of 250- 1,000 people Unsupervised play areas that are equipped for children of early school age. Range of different types of play equipment. Park to be located within 5 minutes of walking time from home. Walking distance 400m (5 minutes walking time) Minimum dimensions 20 x 20 m Provision of 5 - 8 pieces of equipment Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) Recommended for areas with a population of 1,000+ Unsupervised play areas intended to service a substantial residential area. Whilst sharing similar characteristics to LEAPs, NEAPs feature a significant range of different types of play equipment. It is equipped mainly for older children but with opportunities for younger children. Park recommended to be located within 15 minutes walking time from home. Walking distance 1000m (15 minutes walking time) Minimum dimensions 31.6 x 31.6 m Provision of 5 - 8 pieces of equipment Destination Play Park (DPP) Recommended as a site to attract visitors from both across and outside the district Play areas located at key sites such as parks in the district with the aim of attracting visitors from both within and outside the district for longer visits. They normally provide car parking, picnic settings and access to wider facilities such as public toilets and potentially a café. Also known as District Play Areas, they provide an important family activity with children usually accompanied by an adult. These sites should be welcoming to all children with specialist equipment to satisfy inclusivity and accessibility. Large well-developed play park with a diversity of play opportunities and themes. They should, where possible, feature support facilities including car parking, toilets, shelters, picnic settings, furniture and drinking fountains located in central or unique sites with pleasant surroundings preferably that exhibit a strong natural, social or cultural feature associated with the space.