“Parents won’t let their children go to Magpie Park, it isn’t safe” Space for play is not a statutory obligation for PFI tenders - although provision for it can be put into the brief as part of negotiations.
Proposal We proposed that the cost of minimal improvements (see below) could be argued as financially justifiable if the benefits for community cohesion are taken into account i.e. It would encourage residents of the benefits of being involved the plans for the estate. It would build up the links that are being established between generations. It would demonstrate to the youth forums that they have a real role to play. It would enable activities to take place on the site. If, as part of the PFI schemes, it were possible to improve lighting and supervised activities in Magpie Park it is possible that perceptions of what open spaces are ‘local’ would change. Minimal improvements: -
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A gate on the ‘caged‘ kick about area Patching pot holes in hard surface Removing years of dog fouled topsoil of grassed area and replacing with new topsoil Constructing a single hillock with slide and rubber surface below Planting in an ad hoc way with the local youth worker and tenants groups e.g. sunflowers and bulbs 2 pieces of play equipment Painting with basketball markings Seating
If it is deemed that this site could remain an open space for the estate a greater investment could be argued for to be spent incrementally over a longer period.
Open spaces that are not parks (with an emphasis on youth) muf architecture/art April 2004
Part 2
page B84