Well it appears that neither of these statements was strictly correct. May passed, followed by June and July without any action on the site. It was autumn before any signs of progress were made. Towards the end of 2005 Living Spaces again contacted Friends of Graves Park to voice their concerns. They sent a representative to Sheffield to emphasise to the council that further delays were not acceptable. A new deadline was agreed whereby up to £20,000 of funding would be lost if all work was not completed by 28th February.
Friends of Graves Park worked hard to ensure the funding was in place to complete the project, and have since lobbied hard to ensure that the correct priority is given to the work. We have had assurances from several people on the Council, including Jan Wilson (leader of Sheffield Council) that work will be completed on time. When we visited the site following the New Year break there was no sign of activity, and there appeared to have been no progress for over a month.
Many people have put a huge effort into this much needed improvement to a deprived area of the park, and will be disappointed if funding is lost due to lack of action. We have made it clear to the Council that if funding is lost, we will look to them to make good the shortfall so that the project can be completed.
The deadline is fast approaching. Hopefully by the time you read this the recreation area will be complete. If it is not many questions will require answers.
NOW SEE THE CURRENT SITUATION
CLICK ON ITEMS HIGHLIGHTED IN RED TO SEE EQUIPMENT MENTIONED
Area 1 - Youth Meeting Point
. Outdoor Fitness Station (Australian style), with target goal
Multi Fitness Station comprising:
1 step up platform
2 chin up bars, high and low level
1 trunk curl 45°
Individual fitness units
1 kick box module
1 hip swivel plate
1 resistance bar
1 stretch station
1 dip bar
1 netball post
1 no target soccer goal, 3.60 m wide x 2.00 m high with back cage
3 no meeting points comprising of all steel earth anchored tri-tables
1 no Brunei Heritage litter bin
It is proposed to construct the meeting point outside the existing fenced play area, the access will be through the play area via a new self closing gate.
The surface shall comprise a sand filled sports geotextile and will blend in with existing contours after some minor levelling.
A heavy duty timber post and rail fence 720 mm high shall form a boundary along the stream side of the area. Fencing uprights shall be 200 mm diam and the rails shall be 130 mm diam tanalised timber.
Area 2 - Older Children's Playground Equipment
1 no Galaxy Sirius agility climbing frame surrounded with rubber impact absorbing tiles.
Area 3 - Older Children's Playground Equipment
1 no set of 4 swings 3.00 metres high with flat ergonomic seats surrounded with rubber impact absorbing tiles and barriers to prevent running into the path of moving swings.
Area 4 - Middle Group Children's Playground Equipment
1 no set of 4 swings 2.40 meters high with fiat ergonomic seats surrounded with rubber impact absorbing tiles and barrier to prevent running into the path of moving swings.
NB: A special needs seat will be provided in this range.
Area 5 - Young Children/Baby and Special Needs Group Playground Equipment
1 no set of 4 swings 2.40 metres high with ergonomic cradle seats, one of which shall be a special needs cradle seat. Surrounded with rubber impact absorbing tiles and barriers to prevent running into the path of moving swings.
Area 6 - Baby Range of Playground Equipment
1 no set of 4 swings 2.40 meters high with ergonomic cradle seats only. Surrounded with rubber impact absorbing tiles and barriers to prevent running into the path of moving swings.
Area 7 - Young Children's Playground Equipment
3 no Polynesia Springers (car, motor bike and hippo) surrounded with rubber impact absorbing tiles, set within an area protected with barriers complete with seating for adults overseeing children.
Area 8 - Mini Mini Soccer (Rainbow Goals)
1 no set of two goals 2.00 metres wide x 1.00 metres high with cage at rear, set in a sand filled sports geotextite surface 4.00 m wide x 2.00 m long within the existing grass area. Provision for very young children learning to kick a football and play soccer.
Area 9 - Trim Trail Fantasy Fun Run (children of all ages)
A trail of balancing and agility equipment from simulated stepping stones, rolling log to slalom run. Set in the existing grass border of the play area.
Area 10 - Inclusive Play Unit (children of all ages)
A climbing frame combined with small tower and slide, especially developed to accommodate children with special needs in amongst general play. Surrounded with rubber impact absorbing surface.
Area 11 - Multi-Pondo Swing. See-Saw Concept (children and adults)
To develop a sense of balance, can be used by an individual child or even shared with an adult. Surrounded with rubber impact absorbing surface.
Area 12 - Orbiter Roundabout (for children of all abilities)
A roundabout designed to be accessible to children with mobility difficulties, amongst children in general play. Surrounded with rubber impact absorbing tiles.
Area 13 - Supernova Roundabout (children of all ages)
Large slanting ring set in motion by children turning, spinning, balancing or just enjoying a ride. Accessible to children with mobility difficulties. Surrounded with a rubber impact absorbing surface.
Area 14 - Mini Basketball Goal End with Ground Markings
For the middle range group of children interested in developing shooting the goal. Goal complete with back board, ring and net set to the mini goal height of 2.66 metres high.
Area 15 - Mini Soccer Pitch (Children of all ages)
The goals are 3.60 m wide x 2.00 m high and comprise a cage at the rear.
Set within the cage are permanent cricket stumps to enable a small game of cricket if desired.
The mini soccer pitch is somewhat restricted in size by the contour of the site which has a reasonably level plain between goals but a moderate cross fall. The pitch proposed is 30 metres long by 14 meters wide restricted by a large Oak on one side and contained by a Holly hedge on the low side. (Numerous requests have been made for some soccer provision at this side of the park.)
Area 16 - Mini Rugby Practice Goal End
There is just room to achieve a mini rugby goal end for practice purposes of "converting the try". The site is not ideal but worthy of some consideration.
Existing Play Equipment
It is proposed to remove all the obsolete swings and barriers from the play area but to retain for the present time the climbing frame and slide and the aeroplane climbing frame.
Existing Terrace
It is proposed to refurbish the terraced area eventually, and create a grass based picnic area. The supporting wall will be reduced in height and capped with concrete. Timber based seating will be installed along with whole length. A small barrier rail will be installed on the terrace at the rear of the proposed seating and a border of dwarf flowering shrubs will be planted. Access to the picnic area will be gained from centrally positioned steps, with wheelchair provision from the existing ramp at the end of the terrace.
The existing shrubbery at the rear of the terrace will be replanted with flowering shrubs (spring 2004), with the 3 no existing rose beds set into the terrace removed and grassed over.
Tree and Shrub Planting
It is proposed to plant 3 no flowering trees in the centre of the play area and 12 no selected forest trees on the grass area at the rear of the play area.
Three beds will be prepared and planted with low growing winter and spring flowering shrubs along the fence line at the approach to the play area and youth meeting point.
The existing tree and shrub area alongside the stream and adjacent to the new apartment development is currently being refurbished and new shrubs planted.
NB: Tree surgery works are due to begin on 4 no mature trees located within the play area.
Gates, Fences, Notices
The main entrance gates to the park are currently being refurbished and the gate to the play area is being repaired.
Fencing is to be repositioned alongside the pathway approach to the play area adjacent to the stream.
A self closing gate will be installed between the play area and the youth meeting point.
A new display noticeboard wilt be installed indicating details of Graves Park to replace the existing defaced board.
The public toilet block will be cleaned up and repainted pending a decision upon its future.
New dog fouling notices will be installed to encourage public awareness that the entrance area of the park is particularly subjected to this abuse; a new Healthguard steel dog waste bin will be installed.
New notices will be installed on the entrance gate to the playground informing members of the public that dogs will not be allowed in the play area.
The overall aim is to improve the approach into Graves Park from the Chesterfield Road entrance to welcome members of the public in for a pleasing experience; with new seating and litter bins set within the play area.
This document maintained by
friends@gravespark.fsnet.co.uk.
Material
Copyright © 2000