The Fitz Park Play Area Project

Mission Statement

The aim of The Fitz Park Play Area Project is to create, and maintain, a safe, well laid out,
stimulating playground that is accessible to children of all age groups and abilities.

To achieve this we will:

Consult with families and children about what activities and layout they would like to have in the new Play Area
Meet with the Fitz Park Committee to put forward proposals for the project
Tender for contract to playground manufacturers who we feel will best be able to fulfil our requirements and ask for drawings and costings
Shortlist 3 projects
Consult with parents and children to discuss the pros and cons of the 3 short listed projects
If deemed necessary we will ask the company(s) to resubmit their proposal(s) accordingly
Pick the winning submission.

Funding

Concurrent to the consultation process we will also be fund raising - our estimated expenditure is likely to be in excess of £150,000. It is hoped that this will be achieved by:

Direct fund raising from parents and families - it is only right that the user group shows willing
Seek sponsorship from local Charitable causes (Lions, Rotary, Probus, Round Table etc)
Seek sponsorship from local companies - 'If it good for the children of Keswick then it is good for Keswick.'
Seek to be nominated as the charitable cause for forthcoming events where funds raised and allocated accordingly
Seek matched funding from Allerdale / National Lottery / NWDA / other areas
Some of the work can be carried out by family, friends and volunteers to reduce the labour costs (extending the fence, digging holes, laying concrete, planting trees, landscaping)
Some materials may be available as a donation or at cost for the above tasks
Maintenance of some of the existing items could be undertaken by family, friends and volunteers (painting the swings for instance). Perhaps the associated reduction in labour costs for the park staff could then be allocated to the budget for the project
Some low cost activities can be used as an interim measure

Timescale

Ideally it would be nice to see the work complete by Easter. This is probably a little unrealistic given the timescale. To that end a modular approach will enable areas to be allocated for activities as and when funds permit. The representative committee will decide what activities are needed to be in place early on to provide a balanced play area that will enable all users of all ages to participate from the outset. The remaining activities will be ranked according to merit, rather than cost, and be put in place when funds are available.

Requirements of The Play Area

That it is safe
That it is a stimulating play environment for all ages and abilities
That there is 'invisible segregation' between areas - meaning that toddlers are not endangered by being in close proximity to activities that are inappropriate. To achieve this, ideally, there will be a a toddler friendly area, a mid age range area and an older children's area, but these do not need to be fenced or separated from each other if the play area is well laid out
To achieve the above the area needs to be larger - preferably using the area up to the 2 large trees or over towards the museum. Not only will this mean that we have a larger area but it will also minimise the degradation of grass on the existing approach because the entry would be much closer to the track / road.
That there be provision of some shade by planting a small selection of trees, or a hedge, along the fence area (this also reduces the danger of cricket balls ending up in the area)

Extra considerations

Can the use of the toilet facilities below the museum be reinstated?
A water fountain would be a very useful addition to the play area.
Self closing gates or (better) wide 'kissing' gates for buggy access would be a great benefit. These can be incorporated quite easily if the area is extended.
Dog hooks should be added to the fencing to minimise damage to the wire mesh.
A wishing well would be well placed to attract further donations for maintenance and upkeep

What we need from YOU

Ideas
Feedback
Your muscles
Funds
See how you can get involved - without you it won't work