The Briars play area consultation

How we are improving play facilities at Dan's Meadow, The Briars

We have a great collection of parks and open spaces. These are an important part of what makes Guildford a green and family friendly borough.

To improve the playground at Dan's Meadow we've been allocated funding from local development together with part-funding by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (opens new window).
This play area in South Ash is also known as The Briars.

What did we ask you?

For six weeks from 12 October to 10 November 2024 we asked for your views on a draft design for the old playground.

We used an online survey to show you pictures of the proposed new layout and play equipment for you to consider.

Part of the new playground is shown in the image.

Consultation key findings

80% of those that responded to the consultation said they liked the design. Those that responded as 'do not know' or ticked they do not like the design raised these main concerns:

the number of swings
access for people with disabilities
the number of seats
the lack of use of timber and natural materials

Are there enough swings in the design?

The playground has a range of swinging options, as well as the traditional flat seat style:

Toddler swing with two seats: one is a multi-generational seat that allows all ages and abilities to sit on the swing, including adults who can swing alongside their child.
Toddler/junior basket: is one meter wide and is designed for smaller children (and those with disabilities/mobility issues) from age two upwards.
On the multi-unit there is one flat seat and one backed seat (that supports back and head) suitable for ages 3+ to adult
There is another large nest swing for juniors, teens and adults (1.1m width seat)
Hammock: this has an informal swing movement on a pivet
Viper' swing: this large play item has a rope to sit and swing forward and backwards
'Titan': this unit has several different seat options and rotates. The seats include a back seat swing, three pendulum seats, a rope, and overhead T bar for 'gliding'. The whole unit turns for a swinging affect.

Are there enough options for people with disabilities?

Some respondents were concerned about options for people with disabilities.

A tarmac foot path will be added from the end of The Briars to aid access for wheelchairs and prams. This will be built separately from the playground
90% of the equipment is accessible from a hard standing surface
The inclusive roundabout has a rotating base that is flush with the ground. This makes it accessible for wheelchair users and children with and without mobility issues.
There is space for wheelchairs at several play panels for sensory and tactile play at wheelchair height
One of the play panels is a 'communication panel' with icons to aid communication
There is sound play with the rain wheel and bongo drums
The toddler multi-unit has a stair with handrails for those with mobility issues and integrated talk tubes
The play cube can be climbed onto/into for a calm space
The larger multi-unit has accessible stairs with handrails, a double width slide (suitable for a carer to descend or two children/adults together) and play panels at ground level
The toddler area is fenced which provides a sense of enclosure and safety for some children.

We are not including specific 'wheelchair swings' as these are expensive to maintain and they single out wheelchair users as others cannot use them. The playground is designed to be inclusive for a range of abilities and needs, so there is something for all abilities.

There were some comments about the image that labelled a 'girls' area. This was only labelled to highlight that the playground offers a wide range of opportunities for girls as well as boys. Research shows that girls feel less welcome and are less likely to visit play areas than boys. This means they may be missing out on the benefits that outdoor play brings. The purpose therefore was to ensure that this is not the case at the Briars. We've identified specific items as especially enjoyed by girls in addition to all the other play equipment.

Is there enough seating?

There are two benches in the fenced area and one outside this. We are adding another bench outside the fenced area in response to the consultation. We are not including picnic benches at this stage as these can attract anti-social behaviour. This is a concern for many residents.

Choice of materials

Some respondents requested a timber finish to be more in keeping with the site and nature. The playground is metal as this offers easier and more cost-effective maintenance and withstands vandalism better. The playground is designed to blend into its setting. We will primarily be using a blend of green tones and metal finishes. Six trees and wildflower areas are being planted to bring nature right into the play space and link it to the surrounding open space.

Other concerns

The most popular item of play identified as missing from the design is a Zip Wire. The cost of one of these is around £10,000 before installation and they need an area of around 30m from end to end. It is single use (only one child can use it at a time). We believe that there is enough alternative equipment proposed to offer the glide effect of a zip wire. For instance, The 'Viper' offers gliding experience but accommodates far more children at any one time than a zip wire. The 'Titan' has a 't' bar for a similar gliding experience to a zip wire but can be experienced alongside other children.

A few respondents also raised concerns about the size of the playground. Adding such a large extra item would have extended the playground further unless we removed other play items.

What happens now?

Groundworks for the playground will start on 9 December. The build will take around eight weeks. Subject to weather conditions during the build, we plan to be open in early spring.

For more information

Email: parks@guildford.gov.uk