Play_Park_Strategy_2021-2030

Why do current facilities exist? What were the demographics for the catchment area? What age group was it intended for? What external influences were evident at the time of design? Does this demographic still exist and is the same level of play provision still relevant? Play parks provide a valuable opportunity for the development of informal community networks and for the dissemination of community information. This community building function can play a valuable role in both strengthening existing and new areas where these community networks are developing. In the planning of provision for future play needs, important questions need to be asked when reviewing existing play parks such as: 52 Play Planning The provision of play parks has an aim to both serve a community of people as well as visitors to the district from different generations and cultural backgrounds. Play parks provide public places of interaction and network for both children and adults within their community to nurture and strengthen the community. Part 4: Play Provision and Delivery Current provision An independent review of previous play provision undertaken in 2019 indicates that the provision of play facilities is not consistent across the district. It states that some locations had a higher number of play parks than others or a different pattern in the nature and type of play parks provided. It also suggested that there does not appear to have been a strategic approach to play park development based on an agreed rationale basis on e.g. the population numbers within rural communities or the identification of strategic towns / locations for the provision of larger neighbourhood type facilities.