- Support the development of a network of destination playparks, including facilities for older children in each island locality zone (Barra & Vatersay; The Uists & Benbecula; Harris; Rural Lewis; Stornoway & Broadbay);
- In partnership with the Community and Hebridean Housing Partnership continue to improve the quality and accessibility of the network of play facilities throughout the area;
- Support local community groups to identify a suitable site for a new playpark in Shawbost, as there is no playpark provision between Carloway and Barvas;
- Support the upgrade and development of new play facilities at Eoligarry Primary School, Barra and at the former Eriskay School, now the Eriskay Hub development, South Uist;
- Encourage the upgrade of facilities at Ford Terrace, Creagorry, Benbecula and at Cuidhe na Gamhna, Iochdar, South Uist; and at Bayhead, North Uist;
- Support the upgrade of community facilities at Gravir and at Leurbost Community Centre, Lochs;
- Support the upgrade of play facilities at Seaview Terrace, Stornoway;
- Support new provision where there is none – play park deserts / not spots;
- Support the integration of more inclusive play equipment to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds;
- Considering climate change, increasing rainfall, assist with integrating more sheltered ‘hang out’ spaces for 12–17 year-old age groups;
- All projects need to consider inclusivity for users, both in terms of equipment installation and amenity, DDA compliant facilities, including accessible entry points, gates and paths for wheelchair access, all ability surfaces, seating and wheelchair compatible picnic tables, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities; hand driers at a lower level;
- Environmental sustainability needs to be considered when designing renewal plans and procuring equipment. Ensure that all new play equipment complies with BS EN 1176 (manufactured and certified) and BS EN 1177 for safety surfacing. Equipment should be suitably robust for the more extreme weather conditions prevailing in the Outer Hebrides.Any steel should be hot dip galvanised/zinc sprayed inside and out with the addition of an upgraded coating to corrosion class C4 for marine environments;
- Ensure ground surfaces are well drained; provide safe, wheelchair accessible routes to play spaces; ensure gates are DDA compliant, provision of barriers/chicanes where an entrance opens onto a road and ensure fences and walls are in good repair;
- Share and promote good practice, such as environmental Green Gym Days to conserve the environment and biodiversity of all play facilities; encourage community participation; contribute to green networks and increase biodiversity;
- There is a need for better play park provision in new housing developments. Where possible, external contributions will be sought to improve existing play parks;
- Where possible, retain play spaces no longer in use as green open space for play, provide seating for contemplation and plant trees, shrubs and flowers to increase biodiversity;
- Develop an online reporting system to ensure that issues arising with equipment or sites can be resolved quickly;
- Support financial planning for sustainable ongoing maintenance as well as initial capital funding.
HebPlay Play Sufficiency Assessment
HebPlay Play Sufficiency Assessment - PSA Consultative Draft