Issue - meetings

To update the committee on the Playground Project for the London Road Picnic Area – Nonsuch Park.

The Committee received a report updating the committee on the Playground Project for the London Road Picnic Area in Nonsuch Park.

The Committee considered the following matters:

a)            Equipment on Offer. In response to a question from a Member, the Interim Assistant Head of Service (Streetcare) clarified that all of the equipment pictured within Appendix 1 to the report would be provided as part of the playground.

b)            Health & Safety Considerations. In response to a question from a Member, the Interim Assistant Head of Service (Streetcare) confirmed that all of the proposed equipment accorded with the necessary safety requirements. She stated that the playground would receive weekly visual inspections, quarterly detailed inspections, and yearly RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) inspections. She stated that dogs would not be able to access the playground as it would be located in a fenced-off section of the Park. She stated that Initial checks indicated that the proposed location for the playground was suitable.

c)            Accessibility and Inclusivity. In response to questions from Members, the Interim Assistant Head of Service (Streetcare) and Contracts Officer stated that options for accessible and inclusive equipment would be investigated for users of the playground with mobility, mental or visual disabilities.

d)            Equipment Lifespan. Following a question from a Member, the Interim Assistant Head of Service (Streetcare) advised that the proposed equipment would have a predicted lifespan of 10-15 yrs before needing to be decommissioned.

e)            Upkeep and Maintenance. In response to a question from a Member, the Interim Assistant Head of Service (Streetcare) explained that if during routine inspections it were to become apparent that any of the equipment had fallen into a state beyond repair, then that equipment would be removed and not replaced. She stated that costs for basic repairs would be covered by Epsom & Ewell Council’s parks budget. She stated that the Committee would be updated as appropriate on any significant repairs or removals of equipment.

f)             Timescale. In response to a question from a Member, the Interim Assistant Head of Service (Streetcare) advised that the commencement of the construction of the playground was contingent on the success of the funding application.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)          Note the progress of the project