Improvements to Play Area and Installation of Outdoor Exercise Equipment

The Parish Council wishes to provide new and replacement play equipment in an existing play area and new outdoor exercise equipment in an adjacent site. The play area is located within the village centre in the Parish of Bleadon, North Somerset. It's What3Words location is as follows: ///creatures.mouse.snack The land is governed under a Trust arrangement of which the Parish Council is the sole trustee. The Parish Council manages the site and the play equipment within the site on behalf of the Trust. This includes responsibility for maintenance and inspection. All of the equipment on the site - including fencing - is the property of the Parish Council. The site benefits from good access. The car park adjacent to the play area is under the control of the Parish Council and can be closed off in whole or in part to accommodate any works. Access to basic power and water is available within 10 metres of the site. The play area reflects the rural character of the Parish. Maintaining this character will be a key feature of the improvement works and contractors should have regard to the following guiding principles in formulating their proposals: • Wherever possible, wooden items should be specified. • A subdued colour palette is preferred - the Council recognizes the importance of colour within early years development and for those with visual impairments and it will consider proposals in this context. However, contractors should seek to supply equipment which harmonizes with the existing colour scheme of the play area. • The play equipment itself should not generate noise - the Council appreciates that contractors can do nothing about the excited screams of children using the play equipment but equipment which generates noise as part of its use should not be introduced. • Safety surfaces associated with any new items of equipment should either be play grade bark, sand or rubberized grid mats through which grass can grow. Should any specified item of equipment require a different safety surface in order to meet the relevant regulations, then this must be made clear by the contractor within their tender submission. In addition to maintaining the rural character of the play area, the following requirements should also be observed: • No equipment which requires the use of water as part of its operation or function should be introduced. • The play area is predominantly designed for the 5-12 age range, although some items are more focused towards early years e.g. rockers and sand pit. The play area is not specifically designed for older age groups, although there is a small open area which allows for ball sports and the Parish Council would wish to retain this open area. • Wherever possible, the Council would favour the provision of equipment which is inclusive. However, the Council recognizes that the nature of the site is such that parts of it may not easily be accessed independently by those with disabilities or physical constraints - and that contractors will be faced with some restrictions regarding where within the site certain items of equipment might be placed. The Council has conducted local surveys and, as a consequence, would wish to provide the following items of play equipment within the play area. • A spinner/carousel • An inclusive basket swing • At least one adult/child swing seat • A climbing net • A traditional see-saw • New signage - including communication aides for those with additional needs The Council would also ask contractors to price for the provision of a small, in-ground trampoline. However, a final decision on whether or not to install this item of equipment is subject to discussion with the Council's insurers The Council will consider proposals which seek to provide multiple pieces of equipment within one unit e.g. a combined carousel and climbing net. The Council currently lacks play/activity equipment for teenagers/young adults. It also has an older and ageing population and is seeking to introduce outdoor exercise equipment which promotes mobility/dexterity. The Council is, therefore, open to proposals which meet the following minimum requirements: • 5 individual pieces of equipment, or combined units which provide for a minimum of 5 activities to be undertaken simultaneously. • At least one item of equipment which allows for 'side by side' competitive challenges e.g. a double health walker. For the avoidance of doubt any such item will be considered to be one piece of equipment in terms of meeting the Council's minimum requirements. • At least one item of equipment which is specifically aimed at 'seniors' e.g. a twist and flex station.