We want to ensure that local children love their new play area so have consulted with  parents and carers at Loughton Manor infants school and the children at Loughton School about what they would like to see

the results of the Loughton Manor school consultation were as follows

Responses:

Verbal (Loughton Manor School and Loughton Toddler Group)    22

Facebook responses (Loughton Manor School Facebook page)    16

Total Responses                                                                                    38

General Comments:

Complete agreement that the play area needs a re-vamp

Complete consensus that there is nothing for smaller pre-school age children to play on (two and under)

Everyone happy with the existing swings and roundabout

There was a fair bit of support for the ramps and bumps used regularly by children on scooters (and occasional skateboarders)

No one asked supports the retaining of the springers as smaller children do not have the weight to make them move

The seesaw is considered dangerous by many as it comes down with such a thump

The slide was described as uninspiring plus the gaps between steps are far too big for smaller children

No one knew what the kickback screen was for and everyone wanted it removed as once children go behind it they cannot be seen by parents

All but one respondent wanted an integrated play area for all age groups i.e no separate area for smaller children as commonly parents have children of several ages and need to supervise both at once

Requests / Suggestions (in order of most support)

1)      Baby swings

2)      Climbing frame with integral slide,walkways, monkey bars and preferably cargo nets / rope ladders etc to give more interest for slightly older children

3)      Benches even if only basic raised planks (the plea for these was heartfelt!)

4)      Litter bin

5)      Wooden posts / stepping stones / balancing beams – fairly inexpensive stuff that is a bit more imaginative (see Shenley Lodge Play area)

6)      Cradle swing

Additional comments not included in the above summary as only voiced by one respondent:

“we should have two parks the one (near hoppers meadow) Could have a nice new big slide.

The park that doesn’t have anything left (near the meadway) could have things for younger children. This park should be done first.”

“I have older children and they would love a skate ramp like the ones in TMA and oldbrook. They need to make sure they use all the space and not waste it like the one at great holm, loads of dead space there that could have been used better”

“My children love the outdoor fitness equipment like the ones at Crownhill play park.”

One person asked for the bushes on either side of the play area to be removed as they were worried about people lurking unseen in them (Note: several people mentioned this with regard to the play area off Redland Drive)

Consultation with local residents near the play area

I recently delivered the following consultation to local residents

consultation re Loughton sports grounds play area

But received no response from any local residents so far. I found this a bit of a surprise as I expected some concern from local residents about the proposed renewal and some suggestions as to how it should be done.

Consultation with the children at Loughton School

A “letter home” with questionnaire was delivered to all 470 children at the school

consultation with Loughton school re play area

So far 78 have been received back

The age profile was as follows

 The results of the consultation were as follows

The conclusions I come to based on the Loughton school consultation are

1. Very little interest/excitement in current provision of springers & seesaw
2. Rope structure was runaway favourite – but can be do this due to proximity of residents? Maybe we can find a place for it?
3. Basket swing surprisingly popular
4. Climbing wall & activity centre also popular

I’d welcome any other thoughts on this you may have