Peter Hackett & Mark James
Minutes:
Peter Hackett, the Environment, Countryside and Parks Manager, was responsible for play equipment in the parks. He stated that currently the play equipment available for children with disabilities was very limited and they had recently visited Wicksteed to discuss this subject as they were very keen to ensure that more accessible equipment was installed. Wicksteed saw the need and were currently working on a project which would announced in a few months but were not ready to give an details. Whenever new equipment was put in or replaced they tried to make sure there was some accessible equipment. Items available included a Swirl which was a level accessible roundabout that could take a wheelchair and also basket swings or bucket seat swings.
Accessible equipment was generally more expensive as it had to reach higher safety standards. The rubberised matting surface underneath was also very expensive. Pete had recently looked at a piece of equipment which could be accessed by wheelchair with interactive stations on the way around but it cost £57k. Pete’s budget was only £250 a year for the whole of the area for everything from new equipment, maintenance and replacement of old/damaged equipment. This meant a lot of juggling about with the budget but if a particular piece of equipment was wanted in a certain area it would go onto a wish list. Then, if funding became available, it might be possible to deliver. Currently they were doing some of the work that had been put on the list 3 years ago.
Doug asked how many parks he looked after and did he apply for grants. Pete responded that there were about 170 open spaces in West Northants of those about 77 had play equipment. He was constantly applying for Capital and Section 106 funding.
Cllr Chantler stated that the Parish Councils received 25% of CIL for developments in their area. Could they contact Pete if they wanted to spend it on play equipment. Pete responded he was more than happy to help and/or give advice.
Kit asked whether accessible equipment was a necessity or a bonus when designing a new play area and what about existing areas? Pete stated that accessible equipment would be installed where possible but the range was very limited. Also when equipment needed replacing it would not just be done like for like but would be assessed for how accessible the remaining equipment was and making a decision from there.
Vandalism of play equipment was discussed but due to the fact it was a publicly accessible resource and they were sometimes in more remote areas security was virtually impossible.
Carl asked if it was possible for Councils to get together and get the price of accessible equipment down. Pete responded they were already part of a Framework for play equipment through which they received a discount. Purchasing cheaper, inferior equipment was not a saving and that DDA compliant equipment was by nature larger and therefore more expensive. Carl added that it was fine for people to adapt equipment for themselves, such as seen with the wheelchair users at the skatepark, but if you provide it for someone else then it was quite different.
Graeme added he had done some research for sensory type equipment and would it be possible to have a sandpit or water play to encourage parents with disabled children to come into the park. Pete added that they were reluctant to as they became a target for vandalism. However, Brixworth had some sensory equipment including sandpits and they were looking to install some at Daventry Country park. However, these 2 parks had a Ranger on site most of the time so they could to more to ensure the equipment’s safety.
Doug enquired about the adult exercise equipment in Abington Park and Pete responded that the red and blue equipment had been installed about 4/5 years ago. It was still under warranty and inspected weekly by Idverde. They were originally installed to move older people away from children’s play area.
Cllr Duffy asked if the budget juggling meant that deprived areas missed out as it was often the only play opportunity some of these children had. Pete responded that the more deprived areas did not miss out and there was actually play equipment being installed at this moment in an open space in St David’s, Kingsthorpe that had not had equipment for many years and had become very run down.
Pete was asked if there was a list of which parks accessible equipment. Pete stated that he would advise parents of children with disabilities to go to the larger parks such as Brixworth as there were also toilets and changing areas which many of the smaller parks lacked.