A city centre playground is being replaced after being installed 14 years ago as part of an award-winning park revamp.
The Level’s current playground, made largely of wood, has reached the end of its life.
Work will start next month to replace it with new equipment made of laminate and steel, chosen to better withstand coastal air and high temperatures, using £300,000 of developer contributions from local planning approvals.
Cabinet member for recreation Alan Robins said: “The Level play area is one of the best loved and most popular in the city, but its constant use means it’s time for an upgrade.
“We are thrilled to unveil this exciting new design for a safe, accessible and welcoming play area which will meet the needs of children and families for many years to come.”
The work will be carried out by Proludic Ltd which was appointed following a competitive tender process.
The new playground will have a dedicated toddler space with climbing, sliding, spinning and rocking items, a playhouse and sensory items, plus a large tower unit and climbing features, a long tube-slide, Ninja Warrior ramp and horizontal bars for older children.
It will also feature a flush roundabout, a multi-play unit with wide steps, a wheelchair-transferable pod swing and bucket seat, and multiple sensory play panels.
New “wetpour” safety surfacing will be laid throughout, making it easier to move around. The sandplay areas will be removed, as they present health and safety and maintenance issues.
Some of the plants in the play area will be relocated to other areas at The Level or other city parks.
Residents can find out more and view the plans at a community engagement event at The Level this Thursday (27 August) between 3pm and 6pm.
Work begins on Monday, September 7 and is expected to take around 10 weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions.
Will there be a toilet? The pubs around the level are bored of park users using their toilets and thers nothing for kids enjoying the fountains or skatepark as is. Or just use the fountains and waffle stomp the rest in?
Funny how they find developer contributions for renewing a playground but not for keeping Libraries open. What a tame and boring design. No proper climbing frame, no Wendy house or pirate ship, no tunnel and no shade. In fact nothing for the over 6’s at all according to this design. Not even any swings that all ages can enjoy. Where is the toilet provision?
Next to the playground, where they’ve always been, Tracy.
The design is somewhat disappointing compared to the existing park and no consultation has taken place with regular users.
I often come here with my young children and it seems a shame to waste the money on a poorer provision. It is also unimpressive that the only event is about the proposals is tomorrow (one days notice) between 3pm and 6pm. One weekend event for working parents would be more useful and an early morning.
Not sure many parents will be hanging by The Level at 6pm. It would appear the councils mind is made up though as works are due to start in a couple of weeks.
The artist’s impression looked like it been cobbled together by kids in the local kindergarten!
Was someone paid for that?!
Clearly just an AI representation.