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The document purposefully moves away from the traditional practice of segregating children’s play areas from the rest of the open space. Instead, playful structures and zones become part of the landscape, allowing the whole family to enjoy the space together. These interactive structures provide fun and adventure for young people, and take all users on an engaging journey through the landscape. The stepping stones, slides, climbing frames and swings are also striking instances of public art, inspired by nature and built with natural, renewable materials. This concept offers a distinct and stimulating environment for all local residents to enjoy.
The document advocates that all installations and building practices be executed using methods and materials that are not only sustainable, but also interact with the environment in exciting ways. Features such as solar-powered water fountains, and vertical sedum walls which will change with the seasons and attract butterflies, protect the environment and actively contribute to its enhancement.
The vision mapped out by Simon Lee Dicker and the team from the Three Rivers District Council and the Green Heart Partnership is an invaluable tool for developers, provides inspiration for local councils across the country, and offers practical guidance which is rooted in the most progressive thinking on regeneration issues.
Simon Lee Dicker, Artist, said:
“My previous experience has been to work for rather than with local authorities. It is common practice to employ artists at a late stage in public projects with the idea that the art element will add the finishing touch to a particular development. The approach taken by the Green Heart Partnership was to get me involved as early as possible so I could develop a relationship with the Three Rivers team and help to formulate ideas for the artistic content from the outset.”
Alison Phin, Leisure Development Manager, said:
“Our experience from the Green Heart Partnership has given us the confidence to apply this kind of collaborative approach to different projects and planning issues, so we’ll see a real long – term impact across a wide range of our services.”
Kimberley Rowley, Area Team Leader (Planning), said:
“The newly created planning guidance document for play provision in public open spaces is being used by the planning team here at Three Rivers in discussions with residential housing developers. It provides us with an immediate explanation and concisely sets out our expectations in terms of the provision of well thought out and creatively designed public open spaces and parks within our proposed larger residential housing schemes”.
Councillor Ann Shaw OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council and Champion for Young People, said:
‘These thoughtful designs will encourage the active use of parks and open spaces for all ages and especially for young people. As well as providing play facilities and open space for recreation, the use of environmentally friendly materials and plants will encourage wildlife and even change with the seasons.’
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