Suffolk Coastal’s
Outdoor Play Space Fund (OPSF) was set up by the Council to
ensure that recreation facilities keep pace with new
housing development for the benefit of local communities.
Contributions to the fund are determined by the
number and size of dwellings proposed and are
made by developers and builders when planning permission for new
housing is issued.
Since its launch in 2001, the OSPF has contributed over £500,000
to over 80 projects in the district, ranging from £450 to improve
access to a playground to £60,000 towards an all weather sports
pitch.
Suffolk Coastal is keen to encourage recreational projects that
involve people in their communities and each year asks towns and
parishes to identify their local needs for inclusion in the annual
Outdoor Play Space Parish Strategy (OPSPS). This strategy then
ensures that funds available from the OPSF are used in the best
possible way.
If you would like more information about the OPSF or the
OPSPS contact Jennie Catling, the Council’s Outdoor Play Space
Development Officer, on 01394 444321 (Tues, Wed & Thurs) or
email
jennie.cating@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
Play Builder grants for the Suffolk Coastal area
Play Builder is a three-year capital grant programme for the
creation of play spaces, launched by the Department for Children,
Schools and Families (DCSF) in April 2008.
The DCSF funding is targeted at children aged 8 to13 years,
design and equipment must include this age range as well as being
suitable for other ages. Grants from £20,000 to £50,000 are
available for ‘substantial’ play areas.
Funding is for capital only - this can include equipment, hard
landscape and costs in respect of design consultancy, landscape
artists and other professional fees.
The play spaces must be freely accessible, free for children to
come and go as they please and free of charge.
The DCSF have produced a useful guide,
'Design for Play: A guide to creating successful
play spaces' (new window), you can download free of charge
to help you with your application.
Full details of the scheme, guidance notes and
application form (new window) are available on the Suffolk
County Council website.
If you are thinking of making an application, please contact
Jennie Catling, the Council’s Outdoor Play Space Development
Officer, to discuss your project in the first instance. You can
contact Jennie on 01394 444321 (Tues, Wed & Thurs) or email
jennie.cating@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.