The 7 different consultation events about the Playbuilder project resulted in 203 people completing surveys including 72 children & young people aged 6-13 yrs.

Generally speaking, younger children slightly favoured the Timberplay designs, while the Miracle design got more older supporters including young people in the age bracket we're focussing on (11-13 year olds). Quite a few comments suggested elements from Miracle & Timberplay combined. (but it isn't possible to appoint both contractors) For those who put First Choices the totals were: 68 Miracle / 36 Blakedown / 55 Timberplay.

By far the most commonly heard comment is that 'we can't believe this is actually going to happen on The Racecourse' and that 'any of the designs will be great' (borne out by each design getting high average scores) 3 people had concerns about any new play space at all being provided.

The Playbuilder Project Group met on October 30th and selected Miracle Design & Play as the preferred contractor. We have subsequently met with them and are negotiating a few changes to their proposals including loosing the labrynth and swopping the 'tree house' for a pyramid climber. NBC Parks, who will maintain the play space have stipulated that matting (which will be covered once the grass grows) rather than loose bark is used as safety surfacing.

But all is progressing towards the installation of equipment and landscaping next Spring to be ready for April 2010. We'll keep you informed as the project develops.