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Coaley Community Secures New Toddler Park as CRAG Reaches £36,000 Target!
Coaley Community Secures New Toddler Park as CRAG Reaches £36,000 Target!
Coaley Recreation Action Group (CRAG) is delighted to announce that it has reached its £36,000 fundraising target to refurbish the Toddler Park at the Recreation Ground — and that the order for the new play equipment has now been formally placed with leading playground provider KOMPAN.
This major milestone has been achieved thanks to an outpouring of community support, alongside generous contributions from Cotswold Homes, Bromford, Coaley Village Groups and many Coaley residents, who together have helped turn a long-held ambition into a reality.
The new Toddler Park will replace ageing and worn equipment with a modern, safe and imaginative play space designed specifically for young children and families. The scheme will include a toddler swing, springers, a seesaw, tractor climbing frame with slide, carousel, spider swing seat, interactive play panels and new safety surfacing — creating a vibrant and inclusive area for play and exploration.
To celebrate this achievement, a press call has been arranged for Tuesday 11 February at 11.00amat the Recreation Ground. Children from Coaley School will be joined by representatives from CRAG, Coaley Parish Council, and the project’s funders to mark the start of this exciting new chapter for the village.
Martin Pearcy Chair of Coaley Parish Council
Martin Pearcy Chair of Coaley Parish Council
"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!”
CRAG Chair Les Compton
CRAG Chair Les Compton
“This is a wonderful moment for Coaley. The Toddler Park has been shaped by local families, supported by local organisations and funded by the generosity of our community. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and we can’t wait to see children enjoying this new space.”
CRAG would like to thank everyone who has donated, volunteered, attended fundraising events, or supported the project in any way. The success of the Toddler Park campaign shows what is possible when a community comes together with a shared vision. Construction is expected to begin shortly, with the new park due to open later this spring.
CRAG would like to thank everyone who has donated, volunteered, attended fundraising events, or supported the project in any way. The success of the Toddler Park campaign shows what is possible when a community comes together with a shared vision. Construction is expected to begin shortly, with the new park due to open later this spring.
FAQ
FAQ
- What age range is the Toddler Park designed for?
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.
- What will children be able to do in the new park?
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
- Why is a new toddler park being built?
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.
- Why was this specific equipment selected?
The equipment list was chosen by local children and confirmed at the public consultation.
5. How much will the Toddler Park cost?
5. How much will the Toddler Park cost?
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.
6. How is the park being funded?
6. How is the park being funded?
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
7. Can the project be funded without CRAG money?
7. Can the project be funded without CRAG money?
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.
8.What financial risks does the project carry?
8.What financial risks does the project carry?
None. CRAG will transfer the full contract value (plus contingency) to the Parish Council before signing. VAT is reclaimed shortly after payment.
9. What are the payment terms with KOMPAN?
9. What are the payment terms with KOMPAN?
KOMPAN typically invoices 30 days after handover, following a post-installation inspection. Final terms will be confirmed.
10. Why is the fence not included in the contract as previously promised?
10. Why is the fence not included in the contract as previously promised?
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.
11. Is a fence legally required for a toddler park?
11. Is a fence legally required for a toddler park?
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.
12. Are dogs a concern without a fence?
12. Are dogs a concern without a fence?
Dogs must be supervised or kept on leads in the Recreation Ground.
Mess must be picked up and disposed of.
13. Will a fence be installed before the new park opens?
13. Will a fence be installed before the new park opens?
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.
14.How will the park be inclusive for all children?
14.How will the park be inclusive for all children?
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
15. What role does sustainability play in the design?
15. What role does sustainability play in the design?
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
16. Why was KOMPAN selected to build the park?
16. Why was KOMPAN selected to build the park?
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
17. What expertise does the PC and CRAG have to manage this project?
17. What expertise does the PC and CRAG have to manage this project?
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.
18. What safety standards apply to the equipment?
18. What safety standards apply to the equipment?
All equipment meets current BS EN 1176/1177 safety standards.
An independent ROSPA inspection will be completed before opening.
19. What safety improvements will the new toddler park bring?
19. What safety improvements will the new toddler park bring?
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
20. Who carries out risk assessments and ongoing inspections
20. Who carries out risk assessments and ongoing inspections
The Parish Council is responsible for routine inspections.
ROSPA carries out annual inspections.
The new equipment requires minimal maintenance due to strong manufacturer warranties.
21. Who will manage and maintain the park once built?
21. Who will manage and maintain the park once built?
The Parish Council will maintain the new equipment and, temporarily, the remaining section of the old park until phased removal is completed.
22. Will this increase maintenance costs?
22. Will this increase maintenance costs?
No. Replacing the old, dilapidated play area with new equipment under warranty will reduce maintenance requirements and costs.
23. When will the existing park be removed?
23. When will the existing park be removed?
Once equipment suitable for the juniors has been fundraised for and purchased the existing play equipment will be removed.
24. When will the new toddler park be installed?
24. When will the new toddler park be installed?
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.
25. Why proceed now rather than wait until later in 2026?
25. Why proceed now rather than wait until later in 2026?
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.
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