"Play is the highest form of research."
- Albert Einstein
The project
We want to create a multi-generational play park on the site of rough land behind the shopping area at Park Avenue in Louth, Lincolnshire.
This area is currently open space, but little used due to overgrowth, rubbish, and uneven land. It stands in the middle of several housing estates, with a community centre across the road, and many children in the vicinity. The area scores highest on indices of multiple deprivation of all of the wards in Louth, and it doesn’t have a play park. Over 20 years ago there was one on the site, but it was removed when the equipment wore out. The nearest play park is off Spire View, which is not in walking distance for many families with small children, especially as Louth is expanding eastwards: developers recently built several large new housing estates, and more homes are planned.
The project aims to level the land, build an enclosed play park suitable for all ages and accessible to those with disabilities, with safe surfacing. It will also incorporate safety features, safety signage, and a container for maintenance equipment. There will be provision for ongoing maintenance and safety checks, insurance, litter clearing and ground work where appropriate.
Initial plans include equipment such as swings, shuffle bars, a trapeze walk, a wobble board, a balance beam, percussion play, an inclusive picnic table, a concrete table tennis table, and a rebound wall. The second phase of plans includes fitness equipment.
This will provide play opportunities, offering a place for families to come together, for children to learn through play, and for increased exercise and amenity. It will restore a neglected area to public use.
The people
We are a group of people dedicated to creating an amenity space on Park Avenue. These are our trustees:
- Anita Dodge
- Andy Goy
- Ros Jackson
- Zoe Lanham
- Bill Lee
- Elka Maddison
- Becky Proctor