The meeting run by Hamish Waugh, Project Manager for Parks & Open Spaces Richmond upon Thames, on Tuesday 18 April was not well attended. Only a handful of residents some with their children came along to the Winchester Hall to view the plans being considered. A number of playground companies tendered for the Moormead Park project and the top three’s plans were brought along for residents to view and make comment.
A budget of £80k has been allocated by Richmond Council, up from the original £60. Approximately 50% of the cost of the redevelopment is allocated to the play equipment and the remainderto install the equipment, provide safety surfacing and security to the site.
The playground will extend slightly beyond the boundary of the current one to reduce the need to place equipment in the secluded to the rear. The plans incorporate equipment for children aged 3-12. Taking the residents comments into account, the Council will select a vendor. Works should start by the end of May and should be completed within 6 - 8 weeks. Hamish commented that the works will be conducted with little disruption to the local community.
The existing maintenance contracts with playground companies as the rest of the borough apply. Equipment is checked on a monthly basis to ensure safe – nuts and bolts secure and so on. Any faults are reported when these checks are made. Service Team will make daily checks for glass, rubbish and graffiti. Yearly inspections and risks are assessed by an independent company.
Comments
It is unfair on the local residents to say that the meeting was "not well represented". We were told very firmly by Mr Waugh who was expected to attend. See this extrast from his email:-
"PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is solely to review the best submissions for the play area refurbishment and no other issue will be discussed. Those who are interested are more that welcome to come along. If you have a child with special needs or there is something specific you would like to see in the new play area, this is the meeting to attend."
Stephen Alexander on 2006-04-21 17:37:54 +0000Just to be fair, we said "attended" NOT "represented"... personally I think the people there were very considerate, thoughtful and gave Mr Waugh good direction; however, there were only nine adults and five children (by my count).
Peter @ stmgrts.org.uk on 2006-04-21 19:16:55 +0000It was a dreadful day to hold the meeting - I would certainly have been there, with my son, but we were away for Easter, as I would have thought a huge percentage of those interested in the subject
maev kennedy on 2006-04-21 19:40:59 +0000Hosting a meeting at 6pm for parents with young children is madness. Meetings should be held during the day or when children are in bed.
Isabel on 2006-04-22 07:06:13 +0000