PLAYGROUND & EQUIPMENT

  • If the playground is not just blobs of equipment dotted around a flat expanse of rubberised concrete, but brought together by some simple landscaping — mounds, ridges, bridges, tubes
  • A climbing wall would be absolutely amazing! Something challenging which suits the older children (mine are 8 and 11) would be great, so a range of ages can share the space.
  • storage box with free play items such as balls, diablo, circus stuff, hoops, skipping ropes might be nice? 
  • Tall swing and small for littlies. a Zip wire, a tall rotating climbing thing like Glynde, a big swing that fits several children on. Be great if it looked quite organic and was made with natural materials not plastic
  • Play Trampolines are such a great addition and the kids absolutely love them
  • A nest swing. A pagoda. A climbing net or geodesic dome. A half pipe for skateboard
  • A trampoline, a seesaw, a rope bridge
  • Undercover shelter with seating for adults and children
  • A couple of benches for people to watch their children
  • Playgrounds are absolutely vital for parents, carers and their children. We are lucky to have a beautiful space for our playground- let’s turn it into a wonderful space for everyone, especially after such a difficult time during COVID
  •  there was nothing for older children before and my 12 year old still enjoys a playground!
  • How about getting the children to design the layout of the playground?
  • In fact, why not get local artists and designers in on this from the start? That would make the site much more interesting and inspiring, and they could also work with the children, which would be exciting and educational. I can think of several artists who’d probably be keen to discuss the idea. This would also have the benefit of making Firle School the sort of place more people in Lewes hear about and want to sent their children to, raising the number of pupils up out of the danger zone
  • Think its imperative to get the playground as wonderful as possible to represent the creative, ecological spirit of Firle
  • be great to see some creativity in the approach it is designed, i.e. some in wood, some colour, something a little bit different and for all…. a place the village could meet other than the pub and get fit and healthy would be excellent
  • But can there also be another hollowed out tree trunk, complete with woodlice and spiders?
  • Ground covering should not be costly to maintain
  • The playground needs to have a community focus with a shelter, seating and facilities for all ages with a lovely feel to it, preferably with eco /wooden friendlly structures
  • It’s great that this is happening, we have felt the lack of the playground, particularly now that there is such a focus on outdoor socialising
  • As wonderful as the village is for surrounding walks, an improved playground would be a wonderful asset to the village
  • Its very important to get something happening soon, and contact all parents of the schoolchildren who do use the playground before.and after school, as well as villagers
  • Just a big thank you for moving it forward! The children will be so happy 🙂
  • I think new playground equipment for children is absolutely essential.

ADULT FITNESS

  • there is a need of older folk being able to partake of some fun fitness to improve their quality of life and relieve their isolation
  •  If adding fitness equipment to make the playground more accessible to a diverse group of users I support this
  • The reason I’ve said no to having fitness equipment for adults is that sadly, in some communities, I have found that the presence of older teens/ young adults at the fitness equipment in playgrounds can change the tone and make an intimidating atmosphere for young kids and their carers
  • Adult equipment is also popular with older children. I have said I would not support this, but I mean only close to the children’s play area as I think they should be separate.
  • For me what matters most is an improved children’s playground. The other ideas would be great as additions
  • This is the children’s small play ground, they need all the space for their enjoyment, not the adults.

sAFETY, LOCATION, SUSTAINABILTY, INCLUSIVITY

  • Safe equipment regularly safety inspected
  • a path from the car park, as in the winter it lays very wet
  • a recycling bin?
  • As a disabled parent, I cannot cope with walking through nature’s playground ( woods) but as long as there is a bench and a bit of shade I can spend quality time with my children outdoors in a playground 
  • Parents/ carers need safe enclosed places to take children and meet other parents
  •  Safety is paramount- we will need regular inspections to ensure equipment is working and not being damaged
  • I feel that a play area is a very important facility in any village. During the pandemic I became aware of how important socializing became
  • I do have concerns about vandalism and litter but I’m sure these issues can be overcome
  • we only have 1 bus a day so visiting any leisure centre is impossible if you cannot drive
  • … a place the village could meet other than the pub and get fit and healthy would be excellent
  • need to consider insurance aspect and cleaning arrangements
  • It needs to be slightly larger than at present so you can move around the equipment and put a bench for parents to sit inside / rubbish bin inside should be in the area
  • The playground and shelter would get more use if they were closer to the entrance gate
  • Maybe look at the position of the play area, as the field is very uneven and for grandparents taking my children to the park

FUTURE OUTDOOR FACILITY ?

  • A band stand (gazebo) would enable the older children, young adults and parents to have somewhere to chat and mix ad hoc. At present there is nowhere for them.
  •  A BBQ /fire pit area might be good
  • A band stand (gazebo) would enable the older children, young adults and parents to have somewhere to chat and mix ad hoc. At present there is nowhere for them. Also there is a need of older folk being able to partake of some fun fitness to improve their quality of life and relieve their isolation
  • In a village with a small population it is important that the area appeals to more than one age group to get the required numbers of visitors/usage. So adding fitness equipment or BBQ as well as shelter and multiple usage for village events makes it much more appealing. It could become a place for people to hang out , regardless of age group
  • if we go with the qazebo plan I don’t think it should be too large but in keeping with the size of the playground
  • It would be lovely to have somewhere for all the generations to meet
  • no space / funding should be lost to other proposals, such a gazebo for general use or gym equipment for adults. These proposals should be considered separately
  • It seems vital for the sustainability of the play area to develop it to a recreational facility and broaden the use for the whole family, friends and its community use and access
  • An outdoor shelter would be really useful and heavily used
  • It could be a focal point in the village for young and old … upkeep naturally importanT
  • Don’t expand it too much, there are plenty of spaces in the community for people