Playing Field: Play Areas and Landscaping
Exciting progress is being made with plans for new play areas and landscaping on Snitterfield Playing Field. We have been working with landscape architects High Topp Creations to finalise the detailed design and scale drawings needed for the tender process and grant applications. This “masterplan” can be viewed here and we encourage feedback so as to ensure the final design fully meets the community’s needs. Please send all comments or questions to us at snitterfieldplayingfield@gmail.com by 31 August.
The aim has been to provide play facilities and social spaces for local residents, while making the most of and enhancing the existing landscape. Careful consideration been given to how best to meet the needs of children of all ages and abilities: from pre-schoolers through to teens and for those with physical disabilities or sensory needs. The play areas will be located at the south / south-east end of the field and care is being taken not to compromise use of the field by other users.
The design includes: an area aimed at the under 5s within the existing fenced-in playground; a more challenging log climbing structure for older children; swings for all, including toddler, basket and pendulum swings; two new mounds (since the children enjoy the existing one so much!) with various ways to climb up, a bridge between them and a wide slide down; trampoline and roundabout, both wheelchair accessible; a scooter/cycle track for all ages; a basketball hoop and half pipe aimed at older children/teens; and a shelter and hammocks as social areas.
Accessibility is also a priority. A Bredon gravel path will run from the car park and take a loop around the play areas, also connecting to the Hales Close entrance and the path from Bearley Road. This surface is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, bikes and scooters while also being sympathetic to the rural landscape. The car park will also be extended and resurfaced in line with the planning permission obtained as part of the replacement pavilion.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and STAG are collaborating on the planting scheme for the field including new trees, shrubs and wild flower areas. A contemplative space is envisaged around the Platinum Jubilee oak tree, with further planting and seating.
The masterplan is the culmination of several years of work by community groups including detailed consultation with local residents and community organisations. A full history is shown in the Background section below.
We are grateful to the Parish Council for funding the landscape design and the associated surveys. Going forward, the Parish Council has also agreed to fund input from an expert in project management and fundraising, who will help us prepare the documentation needed for the tender process and grant applications. With this in place, we are confident we can take this project through to completion – if you are interested in helping, please do get in touch on the e-mail address above.
Snitterfield Playing Field Working Group
BACKGROUND
Snitterfield Parish Council is sole trustee of Snitterfield Playing Field, registered Charity number: 1012235. See the Register
SPC formed a working group in May 2018. All Snitterfield organisations who use or who had previously used the field were invited to participate, including Snitterfield Fete, Snitterfield Sports Club, Football Section, Youth Club organisers, as well as Snitterfield Cricket and Snitterfield Nursery. Playing Field Working Group – Remit 21.05.18 Final.
A group of parents formed an action group to improve the playground called Snitterfield @Play. Work to date. Work to date. Park Status – For Circulation 20.11.2018.
A consultation on the future of the playing field, including a combined pavilion to home two Snitterfield organisations, Nursery and Cricket, was held in February 2019. Individual Ideas & Suggestions
In June 2020, Snitterfield Parish Council decided to form a CIO to manage and improve the playing field. By summer 2021, an agreement in principle was reached to form a Foundation CIO in partnership with Snitterfield Nursery CIO and Snitterfield Cricket (now an independent CASC). The CIO would have a mix of trustees from Snitterfield Parish Council (2), Snitterfield Cricket CASC (2), Snitterfield Nursery CIO (2) and Snitterfield Sports Club (1). Snitterfield Parish Council’s Chair to be ex-officio. SPF CIO Draft Constitution.
Snitterfield Parish Council commissioned a workshop for residents to design natural play areas with funding from County Councillor Penny Anne O’Donnell. The workshop took place in October 2022. Touchwood Play Design February 2022.
In December 2022, the Charity Commission approved changes to the charitable objects of Snitterfield Playing Field, replacing “Youth Club” with “Community Pavilion”. 20220916 – Draft Scheme – Snitterfield (1012235)
In January 2023, Snitterfield Parish Council, in partnership with Snitterfield Cricket, Snitterfield Nursery and local resident and architect, Steve Matthews, obtained planning approval to replace the Youth Club with a combined pavilion. See 22/01391/FUL
In March 2023, Snitterfield Parish Council obtained funding from Stratford on Avon District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant will be used to specify and cost a low carbon building and car park designed to reuse surface water.
