Appendix 1 to Environment & Amenities Cttee minutes 06/03/17
Feedback on proposed actions, following Annual Inspection by N.W Adams (dated 10 July 2016) of the Village Recreational areas
Recommendations following review by Cllrs Wilson Huggins, and Cottman 1 Mar 2017
- Inspector/Report
The detail of the 2016 report is reminiscent of the 2015 report. We strongly recommend using a different inspector in 2017. This may prove costly if they highlight issues we have not had identified before, but we feel we would get better value for money for paying for our report if we get some new “words”, and also a fresh pair of eyes may pick up something important which was missed previously.
- Rocket Park
Gates:
Risks identified – Entrapment. Inappropriate ground clearance. Also concerns about “edges” of concrete ground in gateway
We also know of the frequent requirement for latch replacements.
Proposal: We have received a quote from the manufacturer of the monohinge gates as used in Poole Park and other play areas. These gates are robust, safe, self closing.
We recommend the purchase of 2 of these gates (negotiate cost?). Concrete ground area feathered out to reduce “edge”
(48 L/R ) 1000mm High x 1500mm wide
Gives an internal opening of 1271mm
Galvanized & Powder Coated @ £814.58+ vat
Carriage @ £80.85 + vat (Pallet)
No opportunity for price reduction – in fact price will go up end March 2017.
AH to ask supplier to quote for installation or recommend a local installer who can also do the groundworks / concreting and edging required.
AH to also ask Sutcliffe Play if they have a version, and if so at what cost.
2. Trees around play area:
Have Steve Mills review and cut trees back. Particularly by toddler slide.
3. Rubber mat flooring: Handyman to scan ground across whole play area for raised pegs originally needed to secure grass mat – no longer needed and can be removed. Also cable-tie raised edges of mats. Particularly near zip line and trampoline.
Action by Handyman.
4. Trampoline:
Clear litter from underneath – Highlighted last year. Being done.
5. Zip line:
Broken arrester spring and cable adjustment. Has been attended to.
6. Basketball backboard – sharp.
Action: Handyman to be asked to remove border and thus drop out the broken panel backboard leaving plain metal backboard?
Foxhills Play area
6. helter-skelter slide gaps between sections of slide, on central column
Action: Handyman to fill gaps with sealant on regular maintenance list checklist.
7. Cone Climber – possible space for head injury underneath – consider re-grading soil and mats underneath?? Might need some more mat.
Dragonfly seesaw - risk of entrapment
In both cases the equipment was installed by the supplier and neither have been modified in any way. Request supplier / installer to comment on ROSPA inspector’s report.
8. Toddler swing – tighten crotch strap and grease top bearings – Hanyman to do this?
MUGA:
9. Post lighting – is there a more “vandalproof” alternative?
10. Gate at entrance to MUGA Driveway to offer protection from road: Cllr Cottman investigating Kissing Gate for this.
11. Double gates to pitch play area– RECOMMEND the fitting of a combination padlock to lock bolt into ground in position so gate can’t accidentally swing into play area.
12. Damaged lower mesh to right of south-east goal - replace bolt, and re-form bent/damaged mesh. – Handyman to attend to this.
13. Upper damaged fence by North-western goal – this is being repaired by the contractor currently due.
There are 3 areas of Medium Risk on the report which we have chosen not to action:
1)Rocket Park Climbing wall - Fall risk with inadequate fall protection. Opinion - As wall is sloping, fall speed would be reduced as sliding down wall.
2)Rocket Park Roundabout – risk of entrapment between roundabout and floor surrounding. Inspecit recommended remounting roundabout lower. Opinion: lets wait a couple of years until rubber mat around it is worn and needs replacing, and then install new surrounding floor at a higher level, as remounting roundabout would be costly.
3)Foxhills Play area – Seesaw – risk of entrapment in pivot, and rough bearings. Opinion – this item is little used so occasions of risk are minimal. This the condition of the bearings may well render this item obsolete and need to be retired in few years.