This exciting project – which will cost £150,000 + renewal of the derelict play area south of Burn Lane (across from Carer’s Way) – has been under discussion for the past year, with people updated via the Newton News’s County Newsbits column.
It has long been recognised that there is a lack of quality play provision in the north-west area of the town, and last year GATC put aside £75,000 towards a possible scheme there. DCC has offered a 99-year lease on the land and funding for the path, and there have been substantial contributions from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership, and from the three local County Councillors John D. Clare, Joan Gray and Mike Dixon.
Last week, Great Aycliffe Town Council’s Recreation Committee agreed to proceed with the project, and the play park can now go ahead. The park and play areas will be maintained by GATC, a substantial commitment, but one which will ensure top-quality provision in the area.
A broad initial proposal for the site design (see map) would be:
– Access from the main current entrance, with a tarmac path across to the activities.
– Two activity items are suggested, subject to consultation – a medium sized MUGA and a play area with inclusive equipment aimed at the 6-14 age group.
– Both features, along with the path, will be raised to keep their surface as dry as possible.
– The intention would be, however, to have more than just a play area, and to create a park area. There will be some initial planting, which will be added to over the years; the concept will be for a ‘decorative environmental’ park, not for formal gardens.
– The unofficial entrance at the north-east corner from Burn Lane will be used for access during construction, but then stopped up to prevent access (and increase road safety).
– Subject to budget, GATC will explore the potential for some simple drainage to see if we can begin to dry out the main field.
These proposals will of course be subject to a public consultation in the coming weeks which will ask people to comment on the design of the site.
Thanks are due to GATC and GAMP for their generosity, and to the officers at GATC and DCC who have framed the project.
Cllrs John D. Clare,
Joan Gray and Mike Dixon