Tarbert Play Park Update Report
Argyll and Bute Council · 6 December 2023
Back to Mid Argyll, Kintyre & the Islands Area Committee — 6 December 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL MID ARGYLL, KINTYRE AND THE ISLANDS AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 6 DECEMBER 2023 SERVICES TARBERT PLAY PARK UPDATE REPORT 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report provides an update on the work carried out with the Tarbert Play Park Group and a subsequent presentation to the Tarbert Community Council on Thursday 9 November on renewing the Tarbert Play Park. 1.2 It was previously reported to the MAKI Area Committee in September 2023 that the Tarbert Play Park was in the process of being upgraded as the equipment was previously removed for safety concerns. At that time there was £80k funding in place to do this as well as a plan for the placement of new equipment and groundworks. 1.3 Local members raised an issue which had been reported through social media and representation to them from the local Community Council in that locally they were very unhappy about the delays in getting the play park equipment in situ. It was agreed at the MAKI Area Committee that the Network and Standards Manager would attend and discuss the current situation with the Tarbert Community Council. It was further agreed to apportion £20k from the Scottish Government Play Park Funding to support the play park. 1.4 The Network and Standards Manager contacted the Tarbert Play Park Group which consists of a number of local residents, parents, grandparents who have a vested interest in the play park. The initial play park plan arranged through Roads and Infrastructure Services with equipment was passed to them and they were asked for feedback. 1.5 The group responded confirming that having had discussions locally with residents and school children they felt this did not fit in with what locals wanted, and they provided an update that locally residents and children wanted a Zip Wire and Assault Course themed Play Park with a small cycle/trike track. They provided pictures and a catalogue identifying equipment which local children had asked for in their new play park. 1.6 Having reviewed this, the Network and Standards Manager responded confirming the Council had no objection to this request and that the engagement was positive, however as the play park was relatively small (approximately 331metres squared) a contractor may well struggle to get a zip wire as well as the other
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equipment being asked for as well as the perimeter trike, small cycle track all within this space. 1.7 On Thursday 9 November 2023, the Network and Standards Manager attended the Tarbert Community Council meeting and discussed the agreed funding of £80k already available as well as the subsequent £20k Scottish Govt Play Park Funding agreed by the MAKI Area Committee as well as the below: A procurement Mini Competition would be organised by the Network and Standards Manager to tender a new design for the play park with the agreed inclusion, if possible, for a zip wire, assault course, small cycle track and other equipment such as a wheelchair accessible roundabout, basket swing and a Giro Spiral. This would also include supply and fitting. The Network and Standards Manager would speak with the local Operations Team leader for Tarbert to see if there was any way the current play park footprint could be extended. Consideration of appropriate fencing in place to protect children in the park from the football park nearby. 1.8 The Community Council Agreed to this approach with feedback being given at regular intervals. 1.9 The Network and Standards Manager has agreed to prioritise this play park in line with the agreed EDI Paper from March 2023. The tendering process will dictate how long this may take; however regular feedback will be given. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 The MAKI Area Committee are asked to: Read, consider, and note the positive engagement with the local Community Council and the Tarbert Play Park Group Read, consider, and note the proposed change in play park design and equipment which has been asked for locally by residents and the play park group. Read, consider, and note the proposed process for tendering for the new play park. 3.0 CONCLUSION 3.1 There has now been positive engagement with the local Community to deliver what residents and children want locally for their play park. 3.2 The Tarbert Play Park will be prioritised in line with the agreed EDI play park report.
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3.3 The Network and Standards Manager has been identified as the single point of contact for the Community Council and the Tarbert Play Park group. Relevant updates will be given at the appropriate times. 4.0 IMPLICATIONS 4.1 Policy – The play park tendering will adhere to Argyll and Bute Councils procurement policies. 4.2 Financial – Funding of £100k is in place to cover the works. 4.3 Legal – The play park tendering will adhere to the procurement legislation. 4.4 HR – None known 4.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: None Known 4.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – none known 4.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – Provision of the play park conforms to the Scottish Government and local policies regarding healthy children and communities. 4.5.3 Islands – N/A. 4.6. Climate Change – All equipment will adhere to legislative standards and meet eco standards. 4.7 Risk – Previously we have tendered for play park works which have received no tenders. There is a risk that no tenders will come forward for this work. 4.8 Customer Service – Providing appropriate play park equipment supports the Argyll and Bute Council Vision for a successful, vibrant Argyll and Bute with a growing population, where people want to come to live. Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Climate Change and Environment Services, Councillor Ross Moreland December 2023 For further information contact: Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services