Quality play provision to be priority across the Borough

Quality outdoor play areas distributed equally across the Borough will be prioritised under a new play provision strategy being considered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet.

The Borough currently has 56 play areas which are free for public use at all reasonable times.

Of these, 40 are owned and managed by the Council, 9 are owned by town or parish councils but managed by the Borough Council, and 7 are owned and managed by housing developers or management companies.

Cabinet is to consider approving the first stage of the new strategy which will include  the allocation of £150,000 within the 2026 to 2027 Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) - and subsequent years thereafter.

This would enable the Council to retain 30-35 high quality play areas in good condition, in addition to the new play area at Stockton Waterfront urban park.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, the Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, said: "We know that access to play areas is very important to people, especially families, and we regularly review our play area provision across the Borough.

"Of course that always has to be within the context of the limited funding available. We currently manage or oversee more than 40 play areas across the Borough so it's also important to be clear that we don't have the funds to refurbish or upgrade them all.

"While the Council is under no legal obligation to provide outdoor play provision we want to not only maintain a network of play areas which, taken as a whole, provides play opportunities to all our residents, but also raises the quality of play provision.

"This strategy emphasises our commitment to providing quality play provision over quantity, for instance the new Stockton Waterfront urban park will feature three exciting new play areas.

"We will be targeting investment at those areas that need it most. But the reduction in the number of play parks will only come as a number reach their natural lifespan, there will be no immediate closure of any sites."  

The new play provision strategy aims to:

• maintain a range of good quality play areas and informal sport facilities
• achieve a fair and equitable distribution of outdoor play provision across the Borough
• ensure the overall scale of provision is at a level which is sustainable in terms of Council resource
• deliver welcoming, accessible and inclusive play spaces

Cllr Cooke assured that challenges around disabled access to play areas were an important consideration of the new strategy.

"We recognise the challenges for people with complex needs, mobility and other disabilities, and the differing needs and abilities of young people will be carefully considered," he said.

"Although it would not be possible to have equipment suitable for all ages and abilities at every play area we are committed to ensuring there is a range of equipment across the Borough, to make sure children of all abilities and with differing needs have access to appropriate play facilities.

"We're continually reviewing options to provide a greater level of accessible play provision in our larger play facilities and the new Stockton Waterfront urban park gives us a great opportunity to create the Borough's most accessible play site."

If the first stage of the strategy is approved this month, recommendations for specific sites will be considered at a later date by Cabinet.