Children & Young People Now -18/06/09
Keith Dalton, outdoor play area inspector for The Play Inspection Company, said one natural play area in 10 he sees each month has serious sustainability issues.
"We're beginning to see inferior quality materials on site, which invariably leads to issues with durability and sustainability," he said.
Dalton said some authorities are using felled trees that are not treated and will rot quicker; ditches that hold water and turn into a "boggy mess"; and patches of grass that are wearing away.
The government's play strategy has set a target of more than 3,500 new or refurbished play areas in England by 2011. Play England guidance on delivering this strongly promotes the use of natural materials.
But Andy Yates, technical director at outdoor play equipment manufacturer SMP Playgrounds, said: "Our concern is we have gone to an extreme position where some predominantly landscaped areas will require a greater level of upkeep."
Mick Conway, national practice manager for Play England, said: "We are in regular contact with authorities to share learning. A key message is to ensure sustainable maintenance funding is in place and that designers have an early dialogue with maintenance colleagues."
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