Play_Park_Strategy_2021-2030

This strategy focuses on the play needs of children, teenagers and young adults. In addition, it also recognises and considers the needs of other visitors such as elderly carers, and groups of children or adults with disabilities. The provision of play facilities is not consistent across the district, with some locations having a higher number of play parks than others; There is an inconsistent pattern in the nature and type of play parks provided (Local Equipped Play Areas versus larger Neighbourhood Equipped Play Areas); 63% of the current play park assets are falling below a 60% Play Value (Silver Standard) quality threshold; and The independent review of the existing 110 play parks within the district undertaken in 2019 concluded that: While it is recognised that children's play can occur anywhere, this strategy focuses on the provision of play opportunities within the space defined as a play park. The term play park refers to spaces that contain play equipment, however, this strategy also recognises the importance of incorporating natural features such as grass, trees and vegetation where possible within play parks. The Strategy Review of current provision 5 A significant number of play parks do not provide accessible and inclusive play for those children living with disabilities (only 25% of play parks offer at least one item of accessible equipment).