Barrington Park Playground Renewal

Christchurch City Council plans to renew the playground equipment at Barrington Park as part of its playground renewal programme.

Project approved

The Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board has approved the plan to renew the Barrington Park playground. The project is now in a detailed design phase in preparation for construction to start in approximately March 2018. 

Consultation on the playground renewal has closed

We received 62 submissions during the consultation period. Of the 62 submissions, 33 submitters were in support, 28 were in support but had some concerns and one did not support the proposal.

During the consultation, the themes of the feedback included: Enthusiasm for the project, concerns and suggestions. 

Issues outside the scope of this project have been forwarded to the appropriate people within Council.

All submissions (with names and without addresses) are available to view. 

Background

The renewal programme ensures that play equipment is safe, meets the current New Zealand Playground Standards, and maintains an acceptable level of service for the community.

The playground equipment that was installed following the arson in 2015 will remain and has been incorporated into the proposal.

We have worked closely with advisory groups to incorporate more accessible equipment that will cater to a variety of ages and abilities. Details of the proposed equipment is included below.

We would like to receive your feedback on this proposal.

Please note: The swings and see-saws that are located near the bowling club are not included in this renewal.  

Existing equipment due for renewal at Barrington Park Playground

Existing equipment due for renewal

Existing equipment due for renewal 

Features of the proposal

Consultation plan 

1. Ramped climbing structure
   The ramps are at a suitable gradient and have two areas included where wheel chair users can turn around.
   There is a section of the structure which was replaced in 2015 after it was damaged by fire. This includes two plastic slides that come off the tallest section of the structure. This section isn’t wheelchair accessible due to its height, however there will be a talk tube / fun phone on the upper level so that those children who can’t reach the upper area can still interact with other children.
   This structure contains a range of play panels and activities for varying levels of ability. 
2. Sand Play
   The sand play area includes a crane, conveyor belt, stencil, scale and transporter as well as table to sit or stand at.
3. Talk tube / fun phone
   These will be located at a height that can be used by a range of children and will enable interaction across the playground. 
4. Climbing boulder with tunnel
   There will be two heights on the boulder. A tunnel through it will provide a quiet place as well enabling interaction with the equipment for those unable to climb.
5. Inclusive carousel
   The carousel is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs as well as those who wish to stand or sit on it. 
6. Swing set
   It will include two standard swings, one basket swing and two infant swings, one with a higher back for extra support.
7. Babel drum
   This creates a fairly soft sound and is played with the hands. 
8. Net see- saw
   This can be used by people with a range of abilities. People can lie on it, climb it, rock on it and multiple children can use it at one time. 
9. Jumping jacks
   These can be used sitting or standing with or without the assistance of a guardian.

Seating

1. Picnic table with central leg
   Provides access to the table for mobility devices. 
2. Park benches
   A mixture of park benches with and without arms to cater for different access needs.
3. Platform seats
   To provide a range of informal seating options including being able to sit on the ground with a back rest.

Extension of the pathway

The existing grit path behind the ramped climbing structure will remain. An additional informal mulch path is proposed through new garden beds (behind the new swing set and sand play areas) . This is included as a periphery path for children to orient themselves to the play space. 

Community drop-in

Come and talk to our friendly project team, after the Kidsfest Storytime. 

Date: Friday 14 July
Time: 11am, following the 10.30am Storytime
Venue: Spreydon Library

If you have any questions, please come and see us or alternatively contact us. 

Timeline

• Monday 10 July 2017 - Consultation opens
• Friday 4 August 2017 - Consultation closes
• October 2017 - Submitters notified of the consultation results, staff recommendation and details of the decision making meeting 
• October 2017 - Spreydon Cashmere Community Board decision meeting
• March 2018 - Construction to start (subject to Community Board approval).

Decision making process

All feedback will be considered by the project team, prior to a staff recommendation being made to the Spreydon Cashmere Community Board. The Community Board will consider the staff recommendation and community feedback prior to making a decision on the proposal.

All submitters will receive information about the consultation summary, staff recommendation and the decision making meeting before the meeting is held.