Play Park Updates
***The next GHPCPPC meeting will be held on 8th April 2025 at Gedney Hill Village Hall at 7pm***
Update 30th March 2025
The National Lottery Reaching Communities Grant has its new criteria available from 1st April 2025. We will keep a close eye on the website and have this filled in asap. The completed grant will go for approval by the GHPCPPC meeting on the 8th April 2025 and subsequently to GHPC on 10th April 2025. Any modifications will be made and then the grant will be sent off to the Lottery!
***The next Working Group meeting will be on Monday 24 March 2025 at 7.30pm.
We will be discussing the Party in the Park and other matters***
Update 9th March 2025
Our group are making sure that the wildlife in the playfield area is protected and safe whilst adding amenities for locals to use. We’ve built some bird houses to fit to trees in the end of the park as a start of our journey. We are requesting locals knowledge on what birds they know to visit and nest in the village, so we know what size to drill access holes for the bird houses. Look forward to hearing from you all and supporting suggestions. Email ghpcpark@gmail.com
Update 2nd March 2025
We spent a lovely afternoon at the playing field today, making some finishing touches and taking pictures of installed equipment provided from the UKSPF grant.
It was lovely to see children of all ages coming to play football and use the benches.
Update 28th February 2025
SAVE THE DATE!
Get ready for the ultimate FAMILY FUN DAY at our Party in the Park!
Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Gedney Hill Playing Field!
More details to follow very soon!
Want to be part of the action? If you’re interested in having a stall or volunteering on the day, please register your interest by emailing us at ghpcpark@gmail.com
Let’s make it a Bank Holiday to remember!
All proceeds from this event will go to the GHPCPPC Play Park Fund.
***The next GHPCPPC meeting is this Tuesday 25th February 2025 at 7pm in the Village Hall***
Update 22nd February 2025
Goal Posts Installed – Let the Games Begin!
What a day! After plenty of sweat, teamwork, and a few laughs along the way, we’re thrilled to announce that the new goal posts have been installed at Gedney Hill Play Park!
A massive THANK YOU to everyone for their hard work and to the committee members who rolled up their sleeves to get the job done. It wasn’t easy, but seeing the kids jump straight in for a game of football made every effort worth it!
One moment we were digging, lifting, and levelling, and the next, the pitch became alive with action. This is exactly what our play park is all about—bringing the community together and giving our young players a space to enjoy.
Come down, have a kickabout, and enjoy the new goals
Update 4th February 2025
BIG NEWS ALERT!
We are THRILLED to announce that we’ve been awarded a whopping £7882.43 from the UKSPF GRASSroots grant!!
This incredible funding will allow us to install brand-new goalposts AND two benches on the playing field! But that’s just the beginning! This is the first step in our exciting journey to create a vibrant, community-centered space for all of us!
Stay tuned – we’ve got BIG things in the pipeline! More updates coming soon on this phase AND future phases of the project, let’s make this happen together!
The next Working Group Meeting is on Monday 3rd February at 730pm at Gedney Hill Village Hall
Date: Monday, 3rd February
Time: 19:30
Location: Gedney Hill Village Hall
1. Welcome and Introductions
o Apologies for absences
2. Update on the Park Project
o Current status
o Grant (UKSPF)
o Planning for the upcoming village fun day
Date, activities, and roles
3. Park Planning Discussion
o Finalising details on park layout
Size and location of the football pitch
Placement of benches, playground equipment, etc.
o Additional features and suggestions
4. Any Other Business
o Open floor for additional points or ideas
5. Next Steps and Action Items
o Assign responsibilities
o Set deadlines
6. Open Floor
• Any additional questions or comments
7. Adjournment
• Confirm next meeting date and time for Working Group
• Confirm next meeting date and time for Committee
Update 21st January 2025
Wicksteed's park design has been officially approved by the Parish Council!
We are awaiting the outcome of our pre-planning application, which should be received back any day now, then full planning will go in, or whichever requirements are needed will be fulfilled.
We will wait for the National Lottery to open their new criteria in April and apply for full funding for the Wicksteed design.
Whilst we are waiting, we'll be applying for smaller grants to add the extras in, around the park, eg football goals, benches, basketball hoop, games table and anything else that is in reason that has been requested
Discussions are also underway to bring back the 'Gedney Hill Fun on the Field Day' - there will be a Working Group meeting to discuss this, so if you have ideas or would like to be a part of it, please join us - meeting date to be announced shortly
Update 16th January 2025
We have applied to the UKSPF Flash Fund to pay for football goals and benches to be installed in the playing field as stage 1 of the play park project. If we're successful we'll find out mid February and they'll be installed during March
We'll be applying to the National Lottery for the fenced play area when their new criteria comes out in April
Update 2nd January 2025
The next GHPCPPC meeting is on 7th January 2025 at 7pm at Gedney Hill Village Hall
Update 13th December 2024
Working Group TEAMS Meeting Minutes
Date: Friday, 13th December
Time: 19:30
Location: Virtual (TEAMS)
Attendees: GT, TB, PW, SB, KH
Apologies: PO, DL, MV
1. Facebook Poll Results
• Kopman: 6 votes (11%)
• Playdale: 3 votes (6%)
• Redlynch: 0 votes (0%)
• Wicksteed: 45 votes (83%)
2. Consultation Results
• Kopman: 17 votes (14%)
• Playdale: 2 votes (2%)
• Redlynch: 4 votes (3%)
• Wicksteed: 96 votes (81%)
Discussion:
• No prices were provided in the online polls, yet Wicksteed emerged as the clear winner in both.
3. Discussion on Accessible Areas
• Proposal to include grass mats leading to the swing area and to adult inclusive bike
4. Wet Pour Discussion
• A suggestion was made via a Facebook comment to increase the amount of wet pour.
• Wet pour has a 5-year guarantee the same as grass mats, grass mats have a significantly lower cost.
5. Cost Considerations
• Grass Mats (10m): £764 (installed)
• Adult Balance Beam: £1166
• Up and Over: £1887
Discussion:
• A discussion was held on what features may need to be removed or reduced to compensate for the additional cost of grass mats.
6. Action Items
• SB to email Wicksteed to confirm how long the quote will be valid.
• PW to provide presentation folders.
• Discussed moving the adult inclusive bike closer to the pathway to improve accessibility, while ensuring the other bike remains near it to keep them together.
7. Action Plan
• Review Wicksteed’s design before the next meeting.
• Pre-Planning: 20 working days from 29th November.
• PPC Meeting: 7th January at 19:00.
8. Next Working Group Meeting
• Date: To Be Confirmed (TBC).
Meeting Adjourned: 20:30
Update 1st December 2024
Today's Play and Plan Day was a brilliant success; a great turnout and so much positivity. We hope you all had a great time - the total amount raised was £550.51
Tomorrow we will share pictures/ plans of the park designs and we'll include an online Facebook poll for those who wanted to attend/ vote, but couldn't make it. Please visit us at ‘Gedney Hill Play Park Committee & Working Group’ on Facebook.
For those that attended and voted, the winner of the day is Wicksteed!
Thank you to everyone!
Update 19th November 2024
An update on the progression of the park.
Quotes
· 4 quotes have been requested. The chosen companies are: Kompan, Wicksteed, Playdale and Redlynch.
· We have received two plans and are awaiting two.
· All plans will be available to view at the Play & Plan Day on 1st December.
Companies
All companies have good accounts and none are in negativity equity. All are API approved.
Requests
Within each quote we have asked for:
1. A maximum fenced area of 20 x 40m
2. Equipment to suit all ages
3. Inclusive equipment
4. Sensory equipment
5. Adult equipment (outside the fenced area)
6. Zipline (outside the fenced area)
7. Benches
8. Undercover seating area
9. Accessibility
10. Advice on ground options: companies suggest a mix of wet pour/ rubber mulch and grass mats
11. All quotes to be broken down with pricing
12. Guarantee period
13. Risk assessment advice
14. The Professional’s opinion
Budget
The companies suggest around £150k.
Access
All companies are aware of the school and times of not using the path alongside the school.
Fundraising
The National Lottery is the first port of call to fund the whole project. The National Lottery will be contacted once we have the final budget/ have decided which company is the best provider and design.
If the National Lottery decline or offer to part fund we will apply for the other grants available. Our current list of grant providers total over £100,000.
Crowdfunding, easy fundraising, business donations and team fundraising will also be undertaken in this instance.
Letters of support
These are coming in and we currently have letters from Sir John Hayes and local businesses. Further letters are in situ and these will help with the grant applications.
Public Consultation
This has been planned and will take place on the 1st December from 11am – 3pm. Visitors are being encouraged to view the plans and have their say. We have organised a fun day to encourage families to attend and also cover our costs through raffle, tombola, cake stall and name the bear. There will also be lego building, face painting, have a go balloon modelling, hot food and the bar will also be open. There will be free tea, coffee and squash.
Posters have been put up around the village and we are actively advertising on Facebook.
Pre-planning Application
We have agreed to apply for the pre-planning application as soon as we have a suitable drawing/ quote, within the next 2 weeks.
Risk assessments and insurance
We will request the PC to ask for an insurance quote for the park once the final plan is chosen. From this quote the PC can also see what the insurance provider requests in terms of risk assessments so that the park is covered. We will follow this requirement.
Next steps
After the public consultation, the community will have given us their thoughts on the designs. The Working Group will meet to discuss and reason for the best company to use, taking into account the communities views. This company will be contacted for any updates to their plan needed.
We aim to have the final plan for PC approval by the next PC meeting on 20th January, where we would also have the Full Planning Application ready to be approved and the application to the National Lottery ready to be approved. With Christmas coming up, it is possible for delays with companies, so we may need an extraordinary PC meeting to be called, so that these can go in asap if they are not ready by the 20th January 2025.
Update 6th November 2024
Play & Plan Day
Help Shape Gedney Hill's New Play Park
Sunday, 1st December 2024
11am - 3pm
Gedney Hill Village Hall
Join us for an engaging and family-friendly event to view designs, share your opinions, and enjoy some refreshments!
• Free tea, coffee, and squash
• Kids' activities
• Raffle & Tombola
• Cake sale
• Hot food for sale
• Bar open
We’re excited to present an informative, fun day for the whole community! Drop in anytime to explore design proposals from our four main providers, chat with our team, and give feedback on the designs you love (and those you don’t). We’ll address any questions or concerns and encourage everyone’s input to help shape the best park possible.
How You Can Help:
1. Attend the Play & Plan Day
This Public Consultation is a vital opportunity to show community support and demonstrate that we’re listening to your needs.
2. Donate Raffle & Tombola Prizes
If you or your business can contribute a prize, please let one of our team members know. We’ll happily arrange collection, and as a thank you, your business will receive a shout-out on our Facebook page.
Thank you for helping us make this park a reality! We look forward to seeing you there.
Update 30th October 2024 – Working Group Minutes
Working Group (TEAMS) Meeting Minutes
Date: 30th October 2024
Time: 19:02
Attendees:
GT, MV, KH, TB, DL, SB, GH, PW, MS
Apologies:
JH
Introduction of Roles:
• SB - Chair
• TB - Vice Chair
• GT - Secretary
Upcoming Meetings:
• 12th November – PPC Meeting
• 18th November – Parish Council Meeting
• 1st December – Public Consultation
• 20th January – Parish Council Meeting
Key Discussion Points:
1. Working Group Updates:
a. General overview of working group activities.
b. Emphasis on collaboration and timely action for upcoming events.
2. Quotes:
a. Discussed obtained and awaiting quotes.
3. Letters of Support:
a. Need for letters of support from relevant individuals or organisations.
4. Public Presentation Planning:
a. Event Features:
i. Food and Beverages
ii. Raffle & Tombola
iii. Nick Lego activity
iv. Children's Craft Table
v. Concerns board
vi. Virtual fly-throughs
vii. Suggestion Box
viii. Pros and Cons table for each company being considered
ix. Cake Sale
b. Volunteer Availability: Request for volunteers to support the various
activities on the day.
c. Event Setup: Coordination of event space, displays, and activities.
d. Social Media: Increased involvement to promote the event and engage the
community.
e. Table for Grants & Processes: Set up a dedicated table explaining available
grants and the application process.
5. Grants:
a. PW offered to assist DL and TB in identifying and securing relevant grants.
6. Pre-Planning and Pre-Application:
a. Discussion around the pre-planning and pre-application processes for the
project.
7. Jack and Jill's Planning Application Donation:
a. Action: Review donation process for Jack and Jill’s planning application and
the return of any surplus funds.
8. Clerk's Time Requirements:
a. Consideration of how much time the Clerk will need.
9. Parish Council Requirements:
a. Discussed specific requirements and expectations from the Parish Council
in relation to the project.
10.Hall Hire Costs:
a. Review of costs associated with hiring the hall for events and meetings.
11.Maintenance Fundraising:
a. Identifying strategies and actions for fundraising specifically for the ongoing
maintenance of the play area.
12.Warranties:
a. Consideration of warranties for equipment and installation as part of the
planning process.
13.Research on Similar Play Areas:
a. Discussion on researching successful models of similar play areas for best
practices and inspiration.
Actions, Responsibilities & Deadlines:
• Budget for Immediate Funds:
Discussed the immediate financial needs for sundries, beverages, and hall hire costs.
Action: Clarify the budget and allocate funds accordingly.
• Google Drive Access:
PW & GH to be given access to the shared Google Drive for easier collaboration and
document sharing.
Next Steps:
• Assign specific roles and tasks for the upcoming public consultation and other
upcoming events.
• Continue gathering letters of support.
• Set deadlines for collecting volunteer availability and confirming event setup.
Next Meeting:
TBC
Meeting Adjourned: 21:07
Update 21st October 2024
Playground Project Update!
Exciting news! We are making progress on getting quotes for our upcoming playground build. We have reached out to several reputable companies, and we are happy to share that all of them are registered with the appropriate authorities and have passed our background checks to ensure they meet our standards.
The companies we are considering are:
• Playdale
• Kompan
• Wicksteed
• Redlynch
We’re looking forward to reviewing their proposals and selecting the best option for our community. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward!
Update 19th October 2024
Here’s an update from the Playpark Committee meeting last week:
Play Park Committee Elections:
Chair: Mellissa Shepherd
PC Representative: Angela Watson
Clerk: Vicki Watson
Vice-Chair: Sarah Berrisford
Other members: Dominique Leedham, Tom Bill, Mitch Vernon
Working Group Elections:
Chair: Sarah
Vice-Chair: Tom
Secretary: Georgii Taylor
The working group is now open for public participation! If you would like to join the working group, please email ghpcpark@gmail.com or chat to one of the team above.
Next Steps:
Once we’ve received quotes and designs for the playpark, the committee will prepare a presentation for the community, outlining the plans.
The first working group meeting will focus on ideas for the public presentation, and we’d love to hear your thoughts! Please come prepared to share how we can make the presentation engaging and informative.
Action Points:
Dom will explore match funding opportunities via crowdfunding with SHDC and investigate Easy fundraising as an additional funding avenue.
Tom will conduct background checks and review accounts for play equipment companies, updating the shared spreadsheet with the findings.
Sarah will draft the pre-planning application.
Dom will send proposed working group meeting dates to the Clerk.
The next Playpark Committee meeting is scheduled for 12th November at 7 PM.
Please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.
Update 12th October 2024
The first Play Park Committee meeting will be held at Gedney Hill & District Memorial Hall, Hillgate, Gedney Hill, PE12 0NN at 7pm on Wednesday 16 October 2024. All are welcome to attend
Update 2nd October 2024
Paper copies of the Consultation Questionnaires are being delivered around the village from today. Have your say as to what you’d like to see within the park, share your ideas and also your concerns. Complete and return yours as soon as possible!
This form is also available online here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelkU2-0_BMuWlqBokKS1KvzGG_dQtgmGbJpxno2gwRrFBa9Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawJY_j9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXvXieiyQlPbzauKg0TGHMFFgE4TIklSrO4qhqHErGZDAgpjaWXcIdOFvw_aem_xQoIrNA98g72eiOWdaFGOw
Update 27th September 2024
The Parish Council have announced an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at 6.30pm to clarify positions within the Gedney Hill Parish Council Play Park Committee (GHPCPPC) and get things moving!
It was resolved to form the Gedney Hill Parish Council Play Park Committee with 6 committee members, along with forming the Working Group, which is open to further members.
The GHPCPPC consists of two Councillors and four members of the public:
• Chairman: Mellissa Shepherd (GHPC)
• Vice Chairman: Sarah Berrisford
• Tom Bill
• Dominique Leedham
• Mitch Vernon
• Angela Watson (GHPC)
16th September 2024
Gedney Hill Parish Council invites interested residents to the Parish Council meeting to discuss the Play Park. There was a great turnout at the meeting and volunteers have put their names forward to join the Gedney Hill Parish Council Play Park Committee.