Playground refurbishment in Ross-on-Wye

The Rope Walk Playground is situated on riverside meadows in Ross-on-Wye, within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The current toddler playground is to be refurbished and extended from its existing boundary on the eastern side to the footpath which runs adjacent to it - with a total area of approximately 200 square meters. There is a tree growing in the corner of the area of the extension which will be retained. This is Phase 1 of a three phase project where phases 2 and 3 will be adjacent of the site and consist of a junior area and adult gym equipment. The work required consists of: Re-fixing and extending the current galvanised bowtop fencing and renewing the gate; Supplying and installing a low maintenance/hardwearing safety surface over the entire area; Removing existing equipment and taking it to the council's storage depot, a quarter of a mile away, for future reuse elsewhere; Designing, supplying a fixing playground equipment. Playground design The playground should cater for toddlers to children aged 7. Equipment should include a selection of the following activities: swinging, climbing, sliding, balancing and imaginative play. The playground should be themed to fit in with its environment (e.g. river, wildlife, historic heritage - rope making) and include the use of natural materials. The council would like to see one distinctive piece of equipment and at least one piece of equipment suitable for disabled children. A bench and a child themed litter bin are also required. The council is aware of the popularity of traditional cradle swings for toddlers and in addition would welcome a new basket type swing. New innovative ideas are welcome in the scheme as well as tried and tested equipment. The council is hoping to attract young families to the riverside area from the town and surrounding villages.