Users of the Playground will have noticed that parts of it are sadly looking a bit worse for wear. This has been brought to the fore by a RoSPA Inspection which took place in August 2021 which told us that we need to be preparing to replace many of the items in it. The report mentions that “once play equipment has been in the ground for 15 years, planning should begin for its decommissioning/replacement”. It’s hard to believe the park has been now open for 15 years!
As Trustees, and many of us parents, we cannot allow the Playground to be left open to the public if we cannot guarantee it is safe for all users.
This means that the Playground/parts of it, WILL be closed off and/or dismantled if we are unable to raise funds to replace it.
The plan!
Changes will not happen overnight due to the scale of this project. Work will be ongoing as and when funding allows. These are some of the changes and improvements we hope to make.
Replace and renew parts on those pieces of equipment that we know still have
a good life span such the pendulum swing, climbing wall and zip wire.
Completely replace the ‘junior’ (4 to 14yrs) area to include a new double bay
swing (with basket and two seats) and a new gravity bowl.
Completely replace the ‘toddler’ (2 to 5yrs) area installing a new play
tower, swings and spring riders. Both this and the ‘youth’ area will have
a brand new wetpour safety surface.
Install a brand new Inclusive Roundabout
Although the Inspection confirms our playground already meets the requirements
of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 we feel an Inclusive Roundabout would be
a fantastic addition. Along with the gravity bowl and basket swing it would allow all
children of all abilities to be able to enjoy using it and make our park even more special.
Updated 17th Feb 2024
What are we doing about it?
As a Committee we have been working hard starting the fundraising effort and obtaining quotes for the work to be completed.
Initial funding has come from a substantial grant from Hambleton District Council’s ‘Making a Difference’ fund. Councillors’ Gareth Dadd and Robert Baker have made donations from their ‘Locality Budgets’ with support also coming from both Knayton and Borrowby Parish Councils and Knayton Village Hall.
We have established a group of willing and able volunteers who have kindly offered their time and services to start with the repairs and maintenance. We are always looking for more help if you feel you could offer your time and skills please contact us and we’ll add you to our ‘What’s App’ group.
As a Committee we will continue doing all we can applying for funding to save the Playground but this won't be enough without community support.
We have an amazing facility here and would ask you to help us save it for future generations of local children to enjoy.
You can donate to us:
Boost your donation via Gift Aid:
If you are a UK tax payer you can also boost your donation by allowing us to claim Gift Aid from the Inland Revenue at no additional cost to yourself
Simply download and fill out the Gift Aid form from our Documents page and send it to us using one of the methods below:
Many thanks in advance if you are able to support us.
The HRAP Committee