Download PDF - Fair Play For Children

imaginations in a number of ways. Such landscaping is often more aesthetically pleasing to
other people in public space.
Stirling Council
3.14
We expect developments to take the form of a complete or substantial replacing of old
equipment for new, or the building of a completely new play area. We will ensure that local
authorities are able to choose from a range of features and ideas depending on their local needs.
This may involve a move away from notions of a ‘traditional’ play area, to something more creative
that inspires play across a wider age range. Our national capital programme will support local
procurement practice that is more innovative, informed and not constrained by unwarranted riskaversion.
We will also work closely with the play equipment industry (and other relevant service
and materials providers) to ensure they can meet the demands of local authorities and their
partners in relation to the type of play sites that we want to see developed. We will at the same
time explore ways in which contracting can deliver savings and good value for money.
3.15 Parents told us through Time to Talk that they want to see versatile play sites that encourage a
variety of different types of play; places where children and families can mix, with play
opportunities that are clearly designed for specific age ranges. Parents also told us that they
value other facilities on these sites, such as toilets and cafes. The provision of facilities such as
toilets and changing rooms for disabled children is particularly important. Our new investment
should support the creation of places where families can spend enjoyable leisure time together
– which could even include the siting of green gyms for adults alongside children’s play spaces.
With Play England and other experts in the field, we will be publishing early this summer
detailed design guidance to help local areas make best use of the play areas and
resources available to them. This will underpin the roll-out of our capital investment. A central
message is the importance of a deliberate design stage in the planning and procurement
process. The use of expert play and landscape designers early on, working closely with the
community, will lead to a better play space. Whilst this can have additional up-front costs, these
will be more likely to deliver clear added value later on in terms of better suitability and usage
30 Fair Play: A consultation on the play strategy