Improvements to a play area in Carlisle will get underway this summer after residents had their say.
Local residents were asked to comment on proposed improvements for Parkland Village play area as part of a public consultation held in April.
Cumberland Council is investing £70,000 on the site after funding was secured from developer contributions from a nearby housing estate.
The play area is sited on a large green space within a residential area, there is also a football/basketball rebound wall on a tarmac surface and an informal grass football area with goals.
It was installed in 2004 and since then two smaller items of equipment have since been replaced, but the remainder of the equipment is now 20 years old.
The play area will be refurbished with new equipment and surfacing, plus an upgrade to the games rebound wall.
The consultation has led to the following items being included within the specification for new play equipment:
- A strong preference for items suitable for users of mixed ages, from toddlers up to early teens.
- An even split of votes for the three types of swing which could be available for the site, we will therefore attempt to incorporate all three into the design.
- A clear preference for there to be a single multi-play unit (easily accessible and featuring a slide), together with an agility/balance trail elsewhere in the site.
- In addition to a roundabout (already on site), voters selected a trampoline, seesaw and pole spinner as their favourite smaller items of equipment, we will try to include all of these within the design.
- Voters chose the option to increase the size of the existing multi-sports wall (football/basketball) on an adjacent hard surfaced area, as opposed to installing new football goals on the grass field.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“We will be removing old play equipment and replacing it with brand new items which best suit the needs of residents. We will ensure that high quality equipment (including replacement seating) is provided, the design is robust and that the refurbished facility will be long-lasting.
“A big thanks to everyone that took part in the recent consultation. Your opinion matters. We will use the feedback to ensure we maximise the play value and accessibility of the new design.”
Work on the improvements will take place in the summer.
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