East Suffolk Council
Have your say on play areas in East Suffolk
East Suffolk Council is calling on residents and local organisations to have their say on what three upgraded play areas in district could look like.
With plans to improve play areas at Dale End in Gisleham, Newnham Avenue in Woodbridge and Staplehurst in Carlton Colville, working with the town and parish councils, the Council is asking local people and groups to take part in surveys to share their views on the equipment they would like to see and what ideas they have for the spaces.
East Suffolk is home to 280 play areas, with 63 owned and maintained by East Suffolk Council. Following an independent review of play spaces by Knight, Kavanagh and Paige Ltd which assessed how play spaces are used, what equipment is available and where improvements could be made, the Council’s Play Strategy 2023 – 2027 was developed.
The three play areas in Carlton Colville, Gisleham and Woodbridge were recommended to be improved as the review found equipment in them to be limited, dated, with some damage to seating and surface areas. Their development follows improvements to play areas in eight communities across the district – including Beccles, Carlton Colville, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Kesgrave, Rendlesham, Trimley St Mary and Wrentham.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for communities, leisure and tourism, said: “Our play areas are a vital, free resource for families in the district, helping to boost children’s development and to ease cost of living pressures. That’s why we’re committed to providing modern and inclusive equipment to ensure children of all ages and abilities can play safely and have fun.
“We want to encourage as many as possible to take part in our surveys to help us to shape the upgraded play spaces in Carlton Colville, Gisleham and Woodbridge.
“We’d like to find out what play experiences matter most to children, so whether you’re a parent, carer, grandparent or a local organisation, please ask the children in your care what they like most about the play areas, what they’d like to change and what equipment they’d love to see.”
Following the public’s feedback, design proposals will be developed by play equipment providers, with the community then asked to give their thoughts on the designs.
Members of the public can take part in online surveys for each play area and explore ideas for different play experiences.
The closing date to take part is Friday 19 December.