Play Equipment at Ladygrove Park, Didcot

Ladygrove Park is a well-used public open space located within the Ladygrove area of Didcot, comprising approximately 29 acres of accessible green space. The park provides a range of recreational facilities for residents and visitors, including:

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Extensive public open grassed areas

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Outdoor sports facilities

The project seeks to maximise the use of currently underutilised landscaped mounds within the play area to create an engaging, adventurous and inclusive play environment for children, primarily aimed at those aged between 5 and 11 years. Tenderers are encouraged to develop innovative design proposals that incorporate these existing landforms and create a cohesive play experience by linking the mounds where appropriate.

As part of the overall design, contractors should consider the relocation of the existing multi-play unit to higher ground within the play area. The current location is susceptible to seasonal flooding during the winter months, and proposals should demonstrate how relocating this equipment could improve its long-term usability and accessibility.

The Council invites tenderers to submit their own design concepts, making imaginative use of features such as, but not limited to:

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Tunnels

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Bridges

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Slides

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Climbing elements

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Accessible and inclusive play features

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Natural play opportunities

The proposed design should complement the existing playground while significantly enhancing the quality, variety and accessibility of the play experience. The Council wishes to create an attractive destination that encourages active, imaginative and inclusive play, supporting the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of children and young people.

The existing play equipment is over 25 years old and, whilst remaining serviceable, the Council is seeking to modernise the play provision to better meet the needs of the local community and to provide facilities comparable in quality to those available at Edmonds Park.

The available project budget is currently £40,000. The Council is actively seeking additional external funding and, if successful, anticipates increasing the total project value to approximately £100,000. Subject to successful funding, the anticipated allocation is:

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Approximately £80,000 for the design, supply and installation of new play equipment.

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Approximately £20,000 for the relocation of the existing multi-play unit and the possible installation of an accessible see-saw, utilising the existing accessible infrastructure where appropriate.

Tenderers should therefore identify which elements of their proposal could be delivered within the confirmed budget and which additional enhancements could be incorporated should further funding become available.

This project needs to ensure full compliance with all Playground Regulations - specifically EN1176, and BS7188 and EN1177 for surfacing.

Didcot Town Council prefer to work with companies who sources their equipment from the United Kingdom, so there are less issues with delays for replacement parts.

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A dedicated children's play area

Within the existing playground are two landscaped mounds that are currently underutilised and do not accommodate any play features.

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing community recreation and play opportunities, Didcot Town Council's Environment & Climate Committee has identified these mounds as suitable locations for additional play equipment. The Council is therefore seeking proposals for the design, supply and installation of play equipment that makes effective use of these features, enhances the existing play provision, and provides engaging, inclusive and high-quality play opportunities for children and young people.