Play area strategy 2018-2028

A) Arun’s corporate priorities & 2020 vision

The 2020 Vision programme has been established to provide the strategic direction required to help us become a more effective and sustainable council and to enable us to meet future demands that are placed upon us.

The vision seeks to offer an improved customer experience, accepting that we must become smaller and more effective. It dovetails with our overarching corporate priorities including providing the best possible services we can afford.

In the context of a district-wide play strategy this means:

What we can’t do:

• continue to provide all the play areas that we currently provide

Why this is the case:

• we do not have sufficient capital funds to refurbish or replace equipment in all of our existing play areas on a rolling programme
• many of our play areas are rarely used and are very limited in terms of the play value they offer. We adopted them from housing developers 20-25 years ago when best practice was much different from today
• many of these poor-quality play areas have better-quality facilities within a reasonable walking distance nearby
• each and every play area requires resources to manage and we have a duty to ensure these resources are directed at where they are most needed and will have the greatest impact

B) Arun’s play strategy from 2011 to 2016

Following on from the original 2005 strategy, the 2011 to 2016 strategy was very much aligned with this revision, seeking to deliver a more sustainable solution to play area provision. During the period of the strategy,14 play areas were decommissioned and each and every play area identified as a priority received some level of capital investment

C) A national play strategy

From the Department for Children, Schools and Families in 2008 this strategy outlined a vision for play within Britain that it wanted to achieve by 2020. As well as identifying best practices in play area design, it identified what children actually wanted from their local play spaces and how to embed play in local priorities. The strategy outlined the government's promise to invest heavily in local play spaces throughout the country by providing each top-tier local authority with at least 1 million to invest in them (Playbuilder).

Through the government, contracting Play England as a national delivery partner and providing advice and assistance to play providers, the idea of promoting ‘natural play’ is very much at the forefront of Play England’s message.

D) Planning policy guidance note 17

This requires that each local authority takes account of the need of its community for recreational activity and children’s play space and identifies where there may be deficiencies in such provision. The guidance note goes on to suggest that each local authority should decide upon its own standards of provision and that these should be modeled on the National Playing Fields Association “Six Acre Standards”.

We carried out a PPG17-compliant audit of all our open spaces and children’s play facilities in 2016 as part of our Local Plan revision. A standard was set whereby all residents should have access to a good quality play area within a 10-minute walking distance. This standard formed the basis of consultation around accessibility and will underpin the decisions made as part of this strategy.

An average walking distance for 10 minutes of walking is roughly 1000 metres or 1km.

A) The wider benefits

High-quality play space provides opportunities for social networks between both children and adults to develop. In some cases play spaces can be at the very hub of a community.

High-quality and well-managed play spaces also enhance the local environmental quality and contribute to the identity of an area. These kinds of spaces that are well used and valued by the local community will tend to look after themselves in terms of antisocial behaviour.

B) The importance of risk-taking in play

Providing opportunities for risk-taking and challenge in a play environment is something that cannot be underestimated. Although play providers have a responsibility not to place users at undue risk, effectively managed risk is an essential learning tool in child development.

Play opportunities and experiences have suffered because of our risk-averse society. Play providers often look to design out all risks at the first opportunity, wary of the ‘claim culture’ of those looking to point the finger of blame in the event of an accident. Accidents will and do occur naturally when groups of young children play together and will still occur even in the most well-thought-out and ‘risk-free’ play spaces.

Good quality play spaces find a balance between risk and benefit and provide a challenge.

C) Where children play

Children have the same right to enjoy and use open spaces, streets, parks and urban spaces as anyone.

Children will naturally play wherever they can, whether in urban streetscapes, coastal landscapes, park woodland or expanses of grassland children will find a way and use their imagination to make use of their surroundings.

D) Beliefs and misconceptions

Because of the proliferation of ‘equipped’ play spaces derived from extensive housing development over the past 20 years, when asked to describe a good play area or play space the typical response is the inclusion of fixed equipment such as roundabouts and swings, fencing and safety surfacing. Although play areas such as this can provide safe and challenging play, in the main, standard-equipped play areas cater for a narrow range of play experiences.

Many of these spaces exist within Arun and are typically found in housing estates and bordering parks and open spaces.

The view of Play England is that high-quality play spaces which at first may be viewed with scepticism utilise their surroundings and enhance the environment around them. They provide access to more natural environments that benefit children and allow children to play in many different ways, and where possible, allow children of different abilities and ages to interact, something which can be restricted within many current play areas that cater to a specific age range.

A) Current play area stock

We manage 68 formal play areas as well as 8 skate parks, 11 full-size game courts, 2 semi-circle game courts and a BMX track through our greenspace service. These sites are distributed amongst our towns and parishes with the majority focussed in and around Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

Many play areas were provided as part of housing developments in the last 20-25 years, installed in line with best practices at the time. As a result, we are faced with the burden of owning a significant number of small, basically equipped play areas which are often in close proximity to one another. Whilst the use of these spaces is often minimal, residents have become accustomed to their presence.

A number of these play areas are located on housing land and therefore financed separately through our housing revenue account.

Most parish and town councils also manage at least one play area and associated green space within their respective areas.

Almost every Arun play area contains equipment over 5 years old, with most containing equipment over 10 years old. Around half of the play areas have equipment that is between 10 to 20 years old and some even contain equipment over 20 years old.

Guidelines suggest equipment should be replaced every 10 to 15 years on a rolling programme depending on usage and wear.

Most equipment installed over 10 years ago no longer meets the industry standard BSEN11776. These standards set dimensions for head/neck/leg entrapments and impact absorbency, and whilst there is no obligation to remove items immediately that do not meet the standard, it is recommended that any new equipment that is installed meets this standard.

B) Current Health & Safety practice

Each play site is inspected on a weekly basis by either our staff or our contractors, with independent inspections carried out by our insurers every 6 months and a risk assessment every 2 years.

During school holidays the busiest sites are inspected more frequently.

Health & Safety issues identified during routine inspections are dealt with as a priority whilst non-urgent works are prioritised by our play area maintenance contractor.

C) Current funding levels

Capital budgets

Capital estimate required 5 years (2018 to 2023) =  £1,480,000
Capital available* = £870,000
Shortfall =  £610,000

Capital estimate required 2024 to 2028 = £1,285,000
Capital available* = £600,000
Shortfall = £685,000

*assumes continued capital commitment of £100,000 per annum for the next 5 to 10 years & includes current housing service capital budget of £20,000 per annum & includes known Section 106 sums from development available for play area refurbishments.

Table 1 - Estimated capital expenditure requirements for each play area

Estimated capital expenditure requirements for each play area

Area of play park	Capital 2018 to 2023 (,000)	Capital 2024 to 2028 (,000)
Aldingbourne - March Hare (Lime Ave)	0	30
Aldwick - Avisford Park	0	50
Aldwick - Avisford skate/games	40	0
Aldwick - Queens Field	0	25
Aldwick - Queensfield games court	0	15
Aldwick - Rose Green	25	0
Aldwick - The Oaks	0	25
Aldwick - West Park	70	25
Angmering - Palmer Games	15	0
Angmering - Palmer Road	30	15
Arundel - Canada Road	20	15
Arundel - Canada skate	10	25
Arundel - Ellis Close	40	0
Arundel - Mill Road	30	25
Barnham - Farnhurst	25	15
Barnham - Marshall	40	0
Barnham - The Cedars	0	20
Bersted - Alding Crescent	0	20
Bersted - Ashbee Gardens	0	20
Bersted - Berg Games	0	15
Bersted - Berghestede	15	35
Bersted - Berryfields	0	25
Bersted - Bersted Park	0	20
Bersted - Bersted Park games/skate	0	40
Bersted - Fir Tree Way	0	10
Bersted - Holly Court	30	0
Bognor - Amberley Green	40	0
Bognor - Brickfield Close	15	0
Bognor - Esplanade skate	40	0
Bognor - Fletcher	20	0
Bognor - Hampshire Avenue	50	0
Bognor - Hotham Park	70	50
Bognor - Hothamton	20	30
Bognor - Kew Gardens	15	15
Bognor - Monterey Gardens	5	20
Bognor - Rock Gardens	5	15
Bognor - Roman Fields	25	0
Bognor - Felpham rec	0	35
Climping - May Close	15	20
East Preston - Lashmar	15	30
East Preston - Lashmar skate/ball	25	0
East Preston - Mill Pond	25	0
Eastergate - Holmdale	5	15
Felpham - Longbrook	25	0
Felpham - Flansham	0	60
Felpham - KGV	10	25
Felpham - KGV games court	0	15
Ferring - Ferring village green	10	30
Findon - Findon rec.	15	15
Ford - Sproule Close	30	0
Ford - Wills Close	15	15
Littlehampton - Bluebell	30	0
Littlehampton - Brookfield Adventure	10	40
Littlehampton - Brookfield games	0	15
Littlehampton - Brookfield toddlers	15	10
Littlehampton - Carnation	25	0
Littlehampton - The Cloisters	25	0
Littlehampton - Eldon BMX	0	0
Littlehampton - Eldon Way & bbd	40	0
Littlehampton - Foxglove	15	10
Littlehampton - Goldcrest	30	0
Littlehampton - Hedgehog Hollow	10	10
Littlehampton - Heo Green	30	0
Littlehampton - Highfields	20	25
Littlehampton - Kingfisher Drive	15	0
Littlehampton - Linden	10	25
Littlehampton - Linden skate	25	0
Littlehampton - Linnet Close East	15	10
Littlehampton - Linnet Close West	35	0
Littlehampton - Lions Den	40	40
Littlehampton - Mewsbrook	0	50
Littlehampton - Sea Road skate	40	0
Littlehampton - Southfields	40	0
Littlehampton - Southfields game	0	15
Littlehampton - Trinity Way	15	20
Littlehampton - Water Lane	35	0
Littlehampton - Worthing Road rec.	15	25
Middleton - Larksfield	30	20
Middleton - Larksfield skate	0	30
Rustington - Cabbage Patch	0	25
Rustington - Brickfields	10	20
Rustington - Guildford Road	20	0
Walberton - Hunters Mews	0	35
TOTAL	1480	1285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue budgets

We have an annual revenue budget to cover the reactive repairs and maintenance of our play areas.

The below breakdown demonstrates that the current approach does not represent the best use of our resources.

• approximately 30% of the revenue budget for play maintenance is spent purchasing new parts/repairing faults directly caused by the age of the equipment
• approximately 35% of the budget is spent removing broken glass, clearing graffiti, and dealing with the aftermath of vandalism
• approximately 35% is spent on general maintenance such as greasing bearings, topping up bark pits, painting and materials 14

Two funding options are available for consideration:

1) Retain current levels of revenue and capital funding and create a sustainable stock where most needed, focusing spending on priority areas.

2) Increase spending to sustain all of what we currently own.

Option 1 is the sensible option, aligning with our corporate priorities and 2020 Vision, ensuring the best use of resources and supporting the delivery of objectives.

Section 106 funding

Section 106 funds for play areas are provided to local authorities from developers when play provision is not directly included within a new development. The funds which are then normally spent on the closest facility to the new development provide improved/enhanced facilities to enable that play area to support the additional children it is likely to cater for.

Although S106 funding for play facilities cannot be relied upon it does in some circumstances provide a much-needed cash injection for play space enhancements that would otherwise not be funded from the local authorities' own budgets.

A. Public consultation

In order to inform the strategy and shape direction, we undertook public consultation in the summer of 2017.

357 responses were received to the consultation exercise which was advertised through a range of means, including posters at each play area, an extensive targeted social media campaign which reached 13,250 Arun residents and via our website.

A summary of the consultation results is detailed below.

82% respondents female, 17% male and 1% no reply.

94 % agreed/strongly agreed that a 10 minute standard was reasonable in relation to the walking time required to visit a good quality play area.

In terms of assessing the ‘value’ of a play area:

88% agreed/strongly agreed that use would be a reasonable way of determining value.

86% agreed/strongly agreed that the accessibility of the play area to the wider community would be a reasonable way of determining value.

81% agreed/strongly agreed that the number of children in a locality would be a reasonable way of determining value.

71% agreed/strongly agreed that the availability of other play areas nearby would be a reasonable way of determining value.

In terms of overall provision/quality

98% agreed/strongly agreed that play areas should provide a range of equipment and play features for all ages and abilities.

99% agreed/strongly agreed that the quality and safety of play areas is an important factor.

97% agreed/strongly agreed that public funds should be spent on play areas which have a high value to communities.

79% agreed/strongly agreed that the provision of facilities such as toilets and café’s near a play area meant they would be more likely to use it.

50% agreed/strongly agreed that spending money and replacing equipment in play areas that rarely get used was a poor use of council resources.

85% agreed/strongly agreed that the opportunity to play and explore in parks should extend to the whole area and not just a fenced-off equipped play area.

66% agreed/strongly agreed that more dog-free parks would provide better opportunities for children to play and explore in a safe environment.

56% agreed/strongly agreed that providing fewer but better quality, strategically important play areas would be a sensible strategy for the council to adopt.

58% agreed that if they controlled funding for play area improvements they faced with the following scenario: If there are two near identical play areas within 100 yards of each other both requiring improvement they would spend it all on one site making it bigger and better for a wider age range of children and remove the other one.

These results provide us with the mandate to undertake a priority assessment based on the factors identified in order to provide direction for the strategy.

B. Recording play area use

Our officers recorded the number of play area users over a 20-month period from January 2016  to August 2017. This recording was carried out over a range of timeframes from early morning to early evening, including some weekend recordings as well.

From this, it was possible to directly compare the use of all facilities. The results very closely matched the estimated results identified in the 2011 to 2016 strategy.

The full results for each play area is shown in the table below.

Table 2

Table 2 results of recording play area use

Site	Total Inspections	Total users	Max users	Instances of use	% times in use	Average number of  users
Mewsbrook	41	461	50	28	0.683	11.24
Lions Den	43	436	55	29	0.674	10.14
Hotham Park	44	443	75	30	0.682	10.07
West Park	47	370	70	32	0.681	7.87
Avisford play area	39	278	30	27	0.692	7.13
Ferring Village Green	40	240	48	18	0.450	6.00
Brookfield Adventure	37	193	29	17	0.459	5.22
Mill Road	42	170	42	17	0.405	4.05
Hampshire Avenue	43	174	20	29	0.674	4.05
Avisford Skate	44	161	15	21	0.477	3.66
Sea Road Skate	43	134	20	20	0.465	3.12
Hothampton	44	133	16	23	0.523	3.02
Highfields	41	117	30	18	0.439	2.85
Queensfield	45	99	6	21	0.467	2.20
Southfields Games	43	91	10	18	0.419	2.12
KGV	43	85	15	20	0.465	1.98
Bersted Park Skate & Games	36	69	15	8	0.222	1.92
Longbrook	44	82	20	12	0.273	1.86
Felpham Rec	43	77	6	22	0.512	1.79
KGV Games	43	76	30	7	0.163	1.77
Linden	42	71	9	17	0.405	1.69
Palmer Games	44	74	10	11	0.250	1.68
Southfields	43	72	15	15	0.349	1.67
Berghestede	42	70	14	17	0.405	1.67
Brookfield Toddlers	38	62	11	15	0.395	1.63
Lashmar	39	62	8	12	0.308	1.59
Brookfield Games	39	61	19	13	0.333	1.56
Esplanade Skate	41	63	20	12	0.293	1.54
Alding Crescent	7	10	4	4	0.571	1.43
Flansham	27	35	12	4	0.148	1.30
Linden Skate	42	48	6	15	0.357	1.14
Worthing Road MUGA	42	46	10	13	0.310	1.10
Lashmar Skate	39	40	8	10	0.256	1.03
Palmer Road	44	40	6	13	0.295	0.91
Larksfield	42	38	5	14	0.333	0.90
Cabbage Patch	35	31	20	4	0.114	0.89
Eldon BMX	42	36	12	9	0.214	0.86
Bersted Park	36	29	9	5	0.139	0.81
Brickfields	41	33	10	6	0.146	0.80
Guilford Road	39	31	22	4	0.103	0.79
Larksfield Skate	42	32	8	8	0.190	0.76
Bluebell	36	27	12	4	0.111	0.75
Rock Gardens	43	32	6	9	0.209	0.74
Farnhurst	44	31	10	9	0.205	0.70
Canada Road	42	28	6	2	0.048	0.67
Spoule Close	43	25	8	5	0.116	0.58
Worthing Road	42	24	8	7	0.167	0.57
Rose Green	43	23	11	5	0.116	0.53
Findon Rec	44	23	12	8	0.182	0.52
Heo Green	43	22	4	9	0.209	0.51
Wills Close	37	16	7	6	0.162	0.43
Trinity	37	15	4	5	0.135	0.41
Berghestede Games	45	18	6	10	0.222	0.40
Queensfield Games	45	18	4	7	0.156	0.40
Hunters Mews	43	16	10	3	0.070	0.37
May Close	38	14	12	2	0.053	0.37
Water Lane	41	15	5	5	0.122	0.37
Holly Court	43	12	3	6	0.140	0.28
Ashbee Gardens	35	9	4	4	0.114	0.26
Canada Road Skate	47	12	5	4	0.085	0.26
Goldcrest	42	10	4	3	0.071	0.24
Linnet Close E	42	10	5	3	0.071	0.24
Amberley Green	42	9	4	3	0.071	0.21
Linnet Close W	42	9	5	3	0.071	0.21
Berryfields	38	8	4	2	0.053	0.21
Fletcher	34	7	6	2	0.059	0.21
The Oaks	38	7	7	1	0.026	0.18
Eldon Way	42	6	2	3	0.071	0.14
Kew Gardens	43	6	4	2	0.047	0.14
Maple Gardens	43	6	3	2	0.047	0.14
Monterey Gardens	40	5	3	2	0.050	0.13
Holmdale	43	5	3	2	0.047	0.12
Mill Pond	38	4	2	2	0.053	0.11
Carnation	39	4	2	2	0.051	0.10
Marshall	42	4	4	1	0.024	0.10
Kingfisher Drive	43	4	2	2	0.047	0.09
The Cedars	44	3	3	1	0.023	0.07
Ellis Close	41	2	2	1	0.024	0.05
Cloisters	42	2	2	1	0.024	0.05
Hedgehog Hollow	42	2	1	2	0.048	0.05
Brickfield Close	43	0	0	0	0.000	0.00
Fir Tree Way	27	0	0	0	0.000	0.00
Foxglove	38	0	0	0	0.000	0.00
March Hare (Lime Ave)	45	0	0	0	0.000	0.00
Roman Fields	43	0	0	0	0.000	0.00

*The total number of records varies in some cases for a number of reasons which include;

• play area may have been closed for refurb
• which staff members had been assigned particular inspections
• play areas transferring from developer to council at some point through the recording process
• if the weather was particularly bad then a record was not taken

C. Developing a priority scoring system

To determine the priority of play areas each was scored on the criteria previously agreed by members and supported by the results of the public consultation exercise.

The criteria was as follows:

Use – based on results of use recording shown above

1 – site rarely if ever used, use by small number of local individuals

2 – site used sporadically by local residents or the occasional visitor for short period of time

3 – site generally well used, allowing for peaks/troughs

4 – site widely used by both locals and visitors to area on a regular basis

Accessibility

1 site hidden away, poor transport links, not part of a wider open space

2  site not widely accessible, other than to a number of properties of the associated estate. May be contained within a small area of open space

3  site generally accessible, may be part of larger open space/recreation area in a prominent location, often on a local school route

4  site is widely accessible both on foot and via transport, is part of wider open space/key park containing additional attractions, generally located in a key tourist area

Census data

Based on ward data from Office of National Statistics 2015, specifically the number of 0 to16 year olds in each ward.

Play value – considers both the current and potential play value of the site

1 site contains a very limited range of equipment offering little in terms of user experience and play value, with limited future potential

2  site contains a basic range of equipment generally for a single age range, and may have some potential to expand/improve

3  site contains a reasonable range of equipment for more than one age range, and may also contain some natural play elements/opportunities. Generally will have further potential to expand/improve

4  site contains a broad range of equipment for a range of ages and abilities with opportunities for or existing natural play. Potential to improve further

Table 3. Priority scoring table

Definitions of decisions as outlined in the table below

 

Table 3 - priority scoring table definitions

District priority	Plays a significant role in play provision for both residents & visitors to the area.
Parish priority	Plays a significant role in play provision for residents within a Parish area.
Council priority	Plays a significant role in play provision for a particular group such as housing tenants. Alternatively there is no reasonable alternative provision within 10 minutes walk.
Future non-priority	No immediate investment required, retain at present but propose removal when significant expenditure required due to better priority facilities within a reasonable walking distance.
Non-priority	Better priority facilities within a reasonable walking distance. Significant expenditure required in short term, therefore remove at earliest opportunity.

There are 3 play areas which we maintain on a day to day basis, through historical or current agreements, on land which is not owned by us. These three sites are Burpham, Climping and Aubrey Fletcher in Angmering. We do not have an obligation to fund the capital refurbishments of these sites or replace equipment. It is proposed that we explores transferring day-to-day responsibility to the Parishes where the current agreements allow through a negotiation dialogue with the respective Parishes. These sites have not been included in the priority scoring table for this reason.

Table 3 priority scoring

Table 3 priority scoring of parks

Site	Parish	Ward	Owner	Under 16 years	Usage 1 to 4 scoring	Accessibility 1 to 4	Current play value	Overall score	Alternative	Designation
Brookfield Adventure	Littlehampton	Brookfield	ADC	1396	4	3	4	67.01	N/A	Parish priority
Hotham Park	Bognor	Hotham	ADC	901	4	4	4	57.66	N/A	District priority
Berghestede	Bersted	Bersted	ADCH	1836	3	3	3	49.57	N/A	Parish priority
Mill Road	Arundel	Arundel & Walberton	ADC	1324	3	4	3	47.66	N/A	District priority
Lions Den	Littlehampton	Beach	ADC	690	4	4	4	44.16	N/A	District priority
Mewsbrook	Littlehampton	Beach	ADC	690	4	4	4	44.16	N/A	District priority
Flansham	Felpham	Felpham east	ADC	1398	3	3	3	37.75	N/A	Parish priority
King George V	Felpham	Felpham east	ADC	1398	3	3	3	37.75	N/A	Parish priority
Worthing Road MUGA	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADC	2046	3	3	2	36.83	N/A	Parish priority
Highfields	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADCH	2046	3	2	3	36.83	N/A	Parish priority
Worthing Road Rec	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADC	2046	2	3	3	36.83	N/A	Parish priority
Bersted Park Games & Skate	Bersted	Bersted	ADC	1836	3	3	2	33.05	N/A	Parish priority
Palmer Road Games Court	Angmering	Angmering & Findon	ADC	1718	3	3	2	30.92	N/A	Parish priority
Linden Rec	Littlehampton	River	ADC	1627	3	3	2	29.29	N/A	Parish priority
Hothamton	Bognor	Marine	ADC	1039	3	3	3	28.05	N/A	Parish priority
West Park	Aldwick	Aldwick east	ADC	570	4	4	3	27.36	N/A	District priority
Avisford Park	Aldwick	Aldwick West	ADC	744	4	3	3	26.78	N/A	Parish priority
KGV Games Court	Felpham	Felpham east	ADC	1398	3	3	2	25.16	N/A	Parish priority
Brookfield Games Court	Littlehampton	Brookfield	ADC	1396	3	3	2	25.13	N/A	Parish priority
Brookfield Toddlers	Littlehampton	Brookfield	ADC	1396	3	3	2	25.13	Yes	Suggest transfer toddler provision within adventure play area 20 metres away when refurb required
Southfields	Littlehampton	Brookfield	ADC	1396	3	3	2	25.13	N/A	Parish priority
Southfields Games Court	Littlehampton	Brookfield	ADC	1396	3	3	2	25.13	N/A	Parish priority
Esplanade Skate Park	Bognor	Marine	ADC	1039	3	4	2	24.94	N/A	Parish priority
Hampshire Avenue	Bognor	Orchard	ADC	1364	3	3	2	24.55	N/A	Parish priority
Felpham Rec	Bognor	Hotham	ADC	901	3	3	3	24.33	N/A	Parish priority
Brickfields Rec	Rustington	Rustington west	ADC	1260	2	3	3	22.68	N/A	Parish priority
Bersted Park	Bersted	Bersted	ADC	1836	2	3	2	22.03	N/A	Parish priority
Palmer Road	Angmering	Angmering & Findon	ADC	1718	2	3	2	20.62	N/A	Parish priority
Lashmar Rec	East Preston	East Preston	ADC	1100	3	3	2	19.80	N/A	Parish priority
Lashmar Skate Park & Games Court	East Preston	East Preston	ADC	1100	3	3	2	19.80	N/A	Parish priority
Linden Rec Skate Park	Littlehampton	River	ADC	1627	3	2	2	19.52	Sea Road Skate	Suggest further consultation on how to best deliver future provision of Skate Park facilities within Littlehampton due to provision of Sea Road Skate
Farnhurst	Barnham	Barnham	ADCH	1514	2	2	3	18.17	N/A	Parish priority
Ferring Village Green	Ferring	Ferring	ADC	455	4	3	3	16.38	N/A	Parish priority
Eldon Way BMX	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADCH	2046	2	2	2	16.37	N/A	Parish priority
Heo Green	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADCH	2046	2	2	2	16.37	Yes	Suggest transfer of toddler provision to Highfields play area 20 metres away when refurb required
Canada Road	Arundel	Arundel & Walberton	ADCH	1324	2	3	2	15.89	N/A	Parish priority
Queensfield	Aldwick	Aldwick east	ADC	570	3	3	3	15.39	N/A	Parish priority
Alding Crescent	Bersted	Bersted	ADC	1836	2	2	2	14.69	N/A	Parish priority
Findon Rec	Findon	Angmering & Findon	ADCH	1718	2	2	2	13.74	N/A	Parish priority
Avisford Skate Park & Games Court	Aldwick	Aldwick West	ADC	744	3	3	2	13.39	N/A	Parish priority
Longbrook	Felpham	Felpham west	ADC	718	3	3	2	12.92	N/A	Parish priority
Rock Gardens	Bognor	Marine	ADC	1039	2	3	2	12.47	N/A	Parish priority
Sea Road Skate Park	Littlehampton	Beach	ADC	690	3	3	2	12.42	N/A	Parish priority
Bluebell	Littlehampton	Brookfield	ADC	1396	2	2	2	11.17	N/A	Parish priority
Berghestede Games Court	Bersted	Bersted	ADCH	1836	1	3	2	11.02	N/A	Parish priority
Larksfield	Middleton	Middleton	ADC	684	2	3	2	8.21	N/A	Parish priority
Larksfield Skate Park	Middleton	Middleton	ADC	684	2	3	2	8.21	N/A	Parish priority
Eldon Way	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADCH	2046	1	2	2	8.18	N/A	Council priority
Goldcrest Ave	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADC	2046	1	2	2	8.18	N/A	Parish priority
Linnet Close East	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADC	2046	1	2	2	8.18	Linnet Close West 240 metres away	Future non priority
Linnet Close West	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADC	2046	1	2	2	8.18	Yes- Highfields	Parish priority
Water Lane	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADC	2046	1	2	2	8.18	Linden Rec 590 metres away	Non priority
Canada Road Skate Park	Arundel	Arundel & Walberton	ADCH	1324	1	3	2	7.94	N/A	Parish priority
Ashbee Gardens	Bersted	Bersted	ADC	1836	1	2	2	7.34	Alding Crescent 390 metres away	Future non priority
Hedgehog Hollow	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADC	2046	1	3	1	6.14	Linden Rec 420 metres away	More of a natural play/story telling area. Propose to ascertain use by Wickbourne centre who partnered original installation
Marshall Close	Barnham	Barnham	ADCH	1514	1	2	2	6.06	Murrells field 400 metres away managed by Barnham Community Trust	Non priority
March Hare	Aldingbourne	Barnham	ADC	1514	1	2	2	6.06	Oliver's Meadow & Eastergate rec 600 metres (both Parish)	Future non priority
Rose Green	Aldwick	Aldwick West	ADC	744	2	2	2	5.95	Avisford Park 610 metres	Parish priority as used and has potential
Carnation	Littlehampton	Brookfield	ADC	1396	1	2	2	5.58	Brookfiled Park 415 metres	Future non priority
Foxglove	Littlehampton	Brookfield	ADC	1396	1	2	2	5.58	Brookfield Park 220 metres	Future non priority
Ellis Close	Arundel	Arundel & Walberton	ADCH	1324	1	2	2	5.30	Canada Road 250 metres	Non priority
Cabbage Patch	Rustington	Rustington east	ADC	642	2	2	2	5.14	N/A	Council priority due to recent 106 investment and further secured funding
Amberley Green	Bognor	Pevensey	ADCH	1111	1	2	2	4.44	N/A	Council priority as provides for large Housing Estate
Sproule Close	Ford	Yapton	ADC	1104	2	2	1	4.42	N/A	Parish priority
Berryfields	Bersted	Bersted	ADC	1836	1	1	2	3.67	Bersted Park 300 metres	Future non priority
Holly Court	Bersted	Bersted	ADCH	1836	1	1	2	3.67	Berghestede 180 metres	Non priority
Queensfield Games Court	Aldwick	Aldwick east	ADC	570	1	3	2	3.42	No	Suggest further consultation on how to best deliver future provision of MUGA facilities in future
Holmdale	Eastergate	Arundel & Wlaberton	ADC	1514	1	1	2	3.03	Eastergate Rec 1km	Future non priority, however local consultation suggested nearer time
The Cedars	Eastergate	Barnham	ADC	1514	1	1	2	3.03	Farnhurst 375 metres	Future non priority
The Cloisters	Littlehampton	Beach	ADC	690	1	2	2	2.76	Trinity Way 30 metres	Non priority
Trinity Way	Littlehampton	Beach	ADC	690	1	2	2	2.76	N/A	Council priority - recent investment and potential to improve. Enables decommissioning of Cloisters
Hunters Mews	Walberton	Arundel & Walberton	ADC	1324	1	1	2	2.65	No alternative provision	Council priority
Guildford Road	Rustington	Rustington east	ADC	642	2	2	1	2.57	Cabbage Patch 350 metres	Future non priority
Kew Gardens	Bognor	Pevensey	ADCH	1111	1	1	2	2.22	Queensfield 500 metres	Future non priority
Monterey Gardens	Bognor	Pevensey	ADC	1111	1	1	2	2.22	Amberley Green 485 metres	Future non priority
Wills Close	Ford	Yapton	ADC	1104	1	1	2	2.21	Sproule Close 50 metres	Non priority
May Close	Climping	Yapton	ADC	1104	1	1	2	2.21	Climping Parish 1.2km	Future non priority, however local consultation suggested nearer time
Mill Pond	East Preston	East Preston	ADC	1100	1	1	2	2.20	Lashmar 450metres	Non priority
Kingfisher Drive	Littlehampton	Courtwick with Toddington	ADC	2046	1	1	1	2.05	Linnet Close West 200 metres	Non priority
The Oaks	Aldwick	Aldwick west	ADC	955	1	1	2	1.91	Queensfield 950metres	Future non priority, local consultation suggested nearer time for POS
Fir Tree Way	Bersted	Bersted	ADC	1836	1	1	1	1.84	Berghestede 360 metres	Future non priority
Brickfield Close	Bognor	Orchard	ADC	1364	1	1	1	1.36	Hampshire Avenue 375 metres	Non priority
Fletcher Way	Bognor	Orchard	ADC	1364	1	1	1	1.36	Hampshire Avenue 620 metres	Future non priority
Roman Fields	Bognor	Pevensey	ADC	1111	1	1	1	1.11	Amberley 480 Metres, Hampshire Avenue 680 metres	Non priority

 

Overarching aim:

‘To ensure that we can offer a consistently high quality of experience for children/carers using our play facilities’

Delivered by following objectives:

• ensure resources are directed towards areas of need & priority
• create a sustainable stock of good quality play areas which add something to their local environment
• ensure play areas are accessible to all and provide value to those using them

These are underpinned by 2 key themes of our 2020 Vision:

• your future - strengthening our economy through regeneration and better infrastructure

• your council services – serving our communities well by delivering the best services we can afford

Table 4. Action plan

Table 4 - action plan

Objective	Recommendation	Action/delivery	Timeframe
Ensure available resources are directed towards areas of need and priority.	Prioritise investment in those sites identified as a priority site in the priority matrix. Review our maintenance of non-owned sites.   Offer Parishes the opportunity to take on responsibility where sites do not form part of our strategy priority.   Maximise external funding opportunities.	Focus revenue & capital funding.   Review with relevant Parishes.   Discuss with the Parishes at the appropriate time.   Seek sponsorship opportunities & grant funding.	Ongoing     2018   Ongoing     Ongoing
Create a sustainable stock of good quality play areas that add something to their local environment.	Remove all equipment from non-priority play areas, returning land to usable public open space. Remove all equipment from future non-priority play areas once significant investment or repair is required. Return the area back to open space. Ensure play provision within new housing development is delivered in line with strategy recommendations & Open Space Standards document.   Provide three ‘’destination’ skate parks within major District towns of Arundel, Bognor Regis & Littlehampton.   Procurement to provide innovation/best value.     Encourage Parish & Town Council’s to partner fund key play area refurbishments. Consult locally on all planned improvements. Utilise all opportunities for natural play within play areas.	Phased removal programme.   Monitor sites designated as future non-priority. Consult locally at the appropriate point on open space design.   Play Area Strategy to inform Supplementary Planning Document and vice versa. Ensure strategy aims influence the design of new development.   Plan delivery strategy for skate park provision through public consultation & attract external funding to support delivery. Procure multiple refurbishments to achieve the best value & encourage innovative design in tender brief. Advise at the earliest opportunity so budget provisions can be considered and planned. Utilise social media and on-site consultation opportunities. Encourage natural play elements within the design process.	Starting in 2018 and ongoing     Ongoing       Ongoing         Plan in place by 2020         Ongoing       Ongoing     Ongoing   Ongoing
Ensure play areas are accessible to all and provide play value to those using them.	Design to cater to a wide range of abilities and ages.	Ensure this recommendation is the backbone of any refurbishment brief Consult with various advisory groups where appropriate	Ongoing     Ongoing

Please see the below maps which shows the priority of play areas in the Arun District.

If you require an accessible version of these maps please email webmaster.

Green = priority play areas

Amber =  future non-priority play areas

Red = non-priority play areas