Wick Playground Refurbishment

Description

Wick Parish Council (Worcestershire) Playground Refurbishment Background Wick is a rural village consisting of approximately 200 households and is situated in the Vale of Evesham, Worcestershire. The River Avon borders the west and north side and the nearest town is Pershore, which is about a mile walk from the village. Our Park is located in the centre of the village (postcode WR10 3NZ) and is rented by Wick Parish Council from a local landowner, with whom there is currently a 26-year lease in place. It is maintained by volunteers, and a small working party are charged with the development and maintenance of the area, reporting to the Parish Council. The rear section of the park is currently set aside as a Playground for children aged 0 to 12 years, with most of the play equipment being installed about 20 years ago. These items are now in need of replacing. The front section of the park is for use by all age groups and at this stage it is not included in this phase of proposed development. Outline Requirements Over the last year, we have been canvassing residents and playground users of all ages for their thoughts and suggestions on what should remain and what they would like to see for the future. There is a large slide built onto the rear bank and there is strong feeling this should remain as it is, along with steps built to the side for easier access. A Wendy House is also in good condition, but we would be open to moving this if it frees up space. Virtually everything else needs to be replaced. Based on responses, we have come up with a list of "Wants and Desires", with the Wants beings those items that the majority feel the Park should have and the Desires being what people would like to have, if feasible: Wants • Several forms of swings to cater for various ages - cradle basket swings being popular • Climbing apparatus • Some type of stepping / balancing equipment • Encouragement of role play • Some form of tunnel / slide using the mound that separates the two parts of the park. • Seating and Picnic area, mainly for parents and guardians Desires • A zip wire • Trampoline - but we would not want it to become a problem with stagnant water or wildlife inhabiting • A Nature Discovery area for children Additional Requirements: • Equipment to be constructed of durable, weather-resistant materials (e.g. hot dipped galvanised coatings where steel is used) • Raw materials in the manufacturing of the playground equipment should be from sustainable sources such as post-consumer recycled waste. • Suppliers to include information about carbon emissions and sustainable material content with 3rd party verification. • All items need to be installed to the current British Safety Standards and inspected by a third-party inspector. • Suppliers to be a member of the API (Association of Play Industries) As the Park is maintained by volunteers, it must be easy maintenance. We would want all equipment to have a lifespan of at least 15 years. Being a rural village and within a conservation area, we would like a design that is more of a natural feel blending in with the environment rather than one consisting of brightly coloured equipment and surfaces commonly found in more urban locations. This section of the park is banked all around and therefore the middle area is within the base of a bowl. Occasionally, in very wet conditions, this part can gather some water and is susceptible to moss growth. It may be that particular consideration has to be given to drainage. We want to work with only one overall supplier of all elements of the project. Budget / Funding We have adequate available funds to meet the 'match funding' element of grants applied for, one grant already approved, and we currently await outcome of a second grant application. We are looking for a design of the park to include proposed equipment along with a quote for installation to include any drainage, groundworks and surfacing. We aim to work closely with the successful supplier and to continue to communicate regularly with residents and park users. Time Scales We have a deadline of middle March 2026 for works to be completed and final invoices submitted. We are mindful that we are embarking on the Winter months, with Christmas and New Year break, poor weather and poor light by late afternoon. Tender requirements In line with our Financial Regulations, we are happy to receive tenders via email: clerk@wickparishcouncil.gov.uk however, a hard copy must be sent clearly marked as Tender Documents to: Clerk of Wick Parish Council 11 Holloway Pershore Worcs. WR10 1HW Contact: clerk@wickparishcouncil.gov.uk Telephone: 01386 552233 and to be received by 5pm on Friday 7th November 2025 Appendix - Photos of Playground North facing view of Playground section of Wick Park South facing view from top bank View of central mound within the Park, dividing the two areas Location: What3words: ///efficient.teacher.whirlpool Google Maps: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.1054516,-2.0577569,111m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw==