Play areas in danger of rotting away
Ross Watson
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The government's 235m investment to transform playgrounds is in danger of being undermined because some local authorities are creating natural play areas that are unsustainable.
Keith Dalton, outdoor play area inspector for The Play InspectionCompany, said one natural play area in 10 he sees each month has serioussustainability issues.
"We're beginning to see inferior quality materials on site, whichinvariably leads to issues with durability and sustainability," hesaid.
Dalton said some authorities are using felled trees that are not treatedand will rot quicker; ditches that hold water and turn into a "boggymess"; and patches of grass that are wearing away.
The government's play strategy has set a target of more than 3,500 newor refurbished play areas in England by 2011. Play England guidance ondelivering this strongly promotes the use of natural materials.
But Andy Yates, technical director at outdoor play equipmentmanufacturer SMP Playgrounds, said: "Our concern is we have gone to anextreme position where some predominantly landscaped areas will requirea greater level of upkeep."
Mick Conway, national practice manager for Play England, said: "We arein regular contact with authorities to share learning. A key message isto ensure sustainable maintenance funding is in place and that designershave an early dialogue with maintenance colleagues."
