Play Park Upgrades for Taunton Town Council

Taunton Town Council require a suitable play provider and installer to deliver upgraded play area facilities for the local community. The successful Service Provider will be required to design play areas in line with the specification, supply the equipment, appoint and manage a suitably qualified installer and project manage, co-ordinate and oversee the installation of the new facilities. The resulting tender should also outline a proactive repair and maintenance schedule for the first ten years. • The preferred Service Provider will then be charged with: 1. Developing a play scheme design informed by the public consultation for all twelve (12) Play Parks. All designs must be DDA compatible. Further work with the community is likely to be necessary onsite to finalise the ultimate design; and, 2. Delivering the new play areas for Taunton Town Council within the agreed budget. Key Responsibilities of Preferred Service Provider: • Oversee the project, including planning, design, installation, monitoring, control and delivery; • Compile a detailed plan identifying the timeline from consultation to completion of installation and sign off; • Prepare documentation including risk assessments, method statements, health and safety and evidence of relevant insurances; • Co-ordinate meetings throughout the development of the project; • Undertake site visits to check on works and discuss the progress; • Carry out communication with TTC and any other stakeholder necessary to the delivery of the project; • Compile a health and safety file for the project and once the project is complete hand this over to the TTC for its records; Design Requirements The play areas are to be designed to enhance the existing facilities and to create spaces that links imaginatively between each element, maximising play value for users. The following key expectations need to be addressed within the design: • The site is 'bespoke' and complements the rest of the provision within the Town as a whole • Considers the use of natural materials and elements of natural play • Provides a wide range of play experiences & opportunities • Accessible to both disabled and non-disabled children • Better accessibility to others with mobility impairments • Meets community needs, both now and in the future • Allows children of different ages to play together • Builds in opportunities to experience risk & challenge • Is attractive, sustainable and appropriately maintained • Allows for change and evolution • Creates exciting links between existing features and new installations • Utilises innovative safer surfacing options • Use of available features to enhance play provision, a sense of place and access Play features should offer challenges to all children, regardless of their capabilities, initiative and skills. Where possible, play activities for children with disabilities should be integrated with those for able-bodied children. The play area should be designed to minimise the degree of assistance a disabled child may require, with special adaptations only where necessary and without fostering an atmosphere of separateness. Landscape features (mounds and planting) should be considered not only to enhance the area of play value but also to enhance the play experience. Therefore, such considerations should not be just for aesthetic but include structure to create a sense of place. The site layout and safe surfaces should be designed with regard to anticipated high levels of site use and abuse and with respect to the maintenance and revenue implications, to sustain and prolong the life of the play area. Consideration must be given to what type of boundary would add play value to and compliment the look of the setting. Consideration should be given to softening up the existing fencing, if applicable, or the introduction of a boundary that allows the play area to link into the wider park, whilst still providing a suitable boundary. Interesting entrances in and out of the play area must also be considered and included in the design. Appropriate signage shall be provided to include the name of the site and a contact telephone number (design to be agreed with TTC). All aspects of the design, installation, materials, equipment position, safer surfacing, minimum use areas and installation methods must comply with the recommendations of BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177. Play area features should be easily maintained and spare parts should be readily accessible. Wherever possible, all materials and work shall be carried out in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner with recycling of waste materials, wherever possible. Public Consultation Public Consultation and Engagement is critical when considering any changes or significant investment into an existing or new facility. Not only should the community be part of the process to help understand and ensure investment is being made in the right way, but the method for engagement and the way in which it is formulated and conducted is just as important to ensure the information collected is relevant, measurable, deliverable and beneficial. A consultation can be designed and based on various factors, which may include: • Strategic importance of the site. • Current and potential use. • Considered changes and impact. • Budgetary impact: initial and ongoing. • Time Frames of proposed changes. The 12 Play Areas the Town Council owns and operates do have a range of areas that require attention and investment and we are seeking a suitable provider to help us through this process and achieve the desired outcomes.