New Toddler Park to goes ahead!
CRAG has now raised enough funds to move ahead with the brand-new Toddler Park at the Rec and the Parish Council has approved the contract with KOMPAN at the meeting on 2nd December.
Martin Pearcy Chair of the Parish Council said: "We are thrilled that the community has rallied behind this project. The new Toddler Park will provide a safe, modern and imaginative space for our children, and it marks an exciting step forward in our wider plans to regenerate the rec!”
The park equipment was selected by children at the Coaley school and includes a toddler swing, springers, seesaw, tractor climbing frame with slide, carousel, spider swing seat, interactive panel and new safety surfacing.
We hope the construction will begin early in the
new year and the park be ready in the spring! The scheme does not include fencing at this stage. CRAG will be exploring better-value fencing options with local suppliers and bring recommendations forward early next year. A huge thank-you to everyone who has donated, fundraised and supported the campaign, this really is a community achievement.
We still have more to do and so will continue fundraising, grant writing and gathering all the facts and figures we need to complete the planting and sensory garden, secure play equipment for juniors, facilities for teenagers and a trim trail.
The new toddler park is designed for children aged 2–5 years offering a range of age-appropriate play that supports early physical, social, and imaginative development.
Children can enjoy:
Socialising with their peers
Climbing, sliding, and balancing (tractor frame with slide)
Swinging (toddler swing and spider swing)
Bouncing (springers and seesaw)
Spinning (carousel)
Role-play (interactive farm panel)
Hiding and role play,
Active, safe, open play on safety-matted surfaces
A new park for both younger and older children was the top priority in the village survey.
The park offers the latest design for children’s development
The existing equipment is old, worn, and no longer meets modern standards.
The new park will provide safer, more engaging, and age-appropriate facilities.
The equipment list was chosen by local children and confirmed at the public consultation.
KOMPAN’s quotation is:
£34,810.37 (ex VAT)
£41,772.44 (inc VAT)
This includes equipment, installation, safety grass matting, and an independent safety inspection.
CRAG has raised all of the money through fundraising, donations, and sponsorship.
We have secured donations from:
£5,000 from Cotswold Housing
£15,000 from Travis Perkins
£500 from Everhot
£13,000 for the Tractor
No. CRAG has been able to secure funding which the PC can’t access.
The Parish Council does not have the funding necessary to replace the park.
None. CRAG will transfer the full contract value (plus contingency) to the Parish Council before signing. VAT is reclaimed shortly after payment.
KOMPAN typically invoices 30 days after handover, following a post-installation inspection. Final terms will be confirmed.
CRAG believes the cost (£8000) is disproportionately expensive, it diverts funds away from play value and a fence can be secured more cost effectively by a local contractor.
No. There is no legal requirement for play areas to be fenced. Fencing is recommended for supervision and reducing dog access, but many modern parks favour open layouts. Coaley’s existing park is not fenced.
Dogs must be supervised or kept on leads in the Recreation Ground.
Mess must be picked up and disposed of.
Yes. CRAG intends to install a top-side fence before opening. The current park is unfenced and dog fouling has not been a problem in this location.
The equipment has been chosen to include:
Multiple play types (movement, balance, imaginative play)
Paths suitable for wheel chairs and pushchairs
Accessible elements such as the spider swing, stringer and ground-level play panel
Clear sight lines for parents and carers
Sustainable principles guided the design, including:
Sustainable timer
Long-life equipment with low maintenance needs
Durable safety matting rather than artificial surfacing
Minimising unnecessary structures
Alignment with Play England’s Design Principles for Successful Play Spaces
KOMPAN was chosen following a competitive comparison of suppliers, based on:
Value for money
Proven safety standards
Track record in similar community projects
Recommendation
Quality and durability of equipment
CRAG has:
Followed guidance from Play England
Consulted with safety and design specialists
Undertaken community consultation
Managed successful fundraising streams
Professional installation and safety inspection are included in the contract.
All equipment meets current BS EN 1176/1177 safety standards.
An independent ROSPA inspection will be completed before opening.
Relocating play away from the car park reduces traffic risks
Replacing old, dilapidated equipment improves safety significantly
Professional installation and a ROSPA inspection ensure compliance
The Parish Council is responsible for routine inspections.
ROSPA carries out annual inspections.
The new equipment requires minimal maintenance due to strong manufacturer warranties.
The Parish Council will maintain the new equipment and, temporarily, the remaining section of the old park until phased removal is completed.
No. Replacing the old, dilapidated play area with new equipment under warranty will reduce maintenance requirements and costs.
Once equipment suitable for the juniors has been fundraised for and purchased the existing play equipment will be removed.
If the contract is placed in December 2025:
Start of works: anticipated Mid–late February 2026
Duration: Approximately 8 weeks
Completion: Late March – mid April 2026 weather dependent.
If the order is delayed, KOMPAN is likely to apply a 5–10% price increase. Placing the order before 31 December 2025 secures current pricing and guarantees a spring installation slot.