Sywell Playing Field

Sywell Playing Field is situated along Webbs Lane, which is opposite Ecton Lane, and has been in existence since approximately 1975/76, thanks to the dedication and endeavours of villagers and the Parish Council of that era.

Various items of play equipment were installed and in the following years, trees were planted, goal posts installed and a ‘car-park’ created.

The Playing Field and equipment is an asset to ‘The Village’ and is maintained by the Parish Council on a continuing basis.

Early in 2008 Sywell Playing Field Development Committee was formed with the objective of promoting the development of the Playing Field.

In collaboration with the children, parents and teachers at Sywell C of E Primary School, and through discussion with other young people in the village, the Committee has established an outline plan for developing the Playing Field into an area for the enjoyment of all ‘villagers’.

The following items form the basis for this development;

1. Introduce additional play equipment, suitable for 8-13 year-olds.

2. Create a wildlife area, for fun and educational purposes.

3. Create a more usable games/sports area.

4. Create a Hard Court Area for all year round activities.

PLAY EQUIPMENT

A ‘Playbuilder Funding Application’ has been submitted to the Borough Council of Wellingborough for a substantial grant to finance the installation of new equipment. This will include a climbing frame, bucket swing, cable-way and zig-zag twisters.

Each installation will include a safety surface, which will be connected by all weather surfaces for ease of access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The existing equipment is in need of some refurbishment. This work will be carried out in due course and this equipment will eventually be re-configured to accommodate the new equipment.

WILDLIFE AREA

The Committee is currently considering the merits of applying for ‘Pocket Park’ status for the Wildlife Area.

Rangers from Sywell Country Park have offered their support, experience and advise in this part of the development and the Committee will be meeting with Rangers in due course.

Meanwhile the Eco-Committee at Sywell C of E Primary School are striving for a ‘Green Flag Award’ for the school and have set the children the task of designing a layout for the Wildlife area. This was presented at a Committee Meeting early in November ’08 and without doubt they have developed a wonderful plan! It is the Committees intention to encourage the schoolchildren, along with their parents and teachers, in playing a leading role in this development.

Committee members are also encouraged by the interest and offers of help shown by many individuals.

It is hoped that work on the Wildlife area will start in the Spring of 2009.   

GAMES/SPORTS AREA

There are currently two full size goal-posts in this area.  Unfortunately the size of the playing field does not afford the opportunity for a pitch that conforms to the requirements of ‘Youth League’ football.

There is also a pair of smaller goalposts available and the intention is to set these out across the playing field, and mark out a pitch that will be more useful for school activities.

The school have also intimated that they will also use this area for other sports activities and the Committee are resolved to support them in every way.

HARD COURT AREA

An application has been made to the Parish Council for financing the installation of a Basketball Net.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Archie Brown – Chairman – 01604 647 609

Iain Burrage – Vice Chairman

Darren Parnell – Treasurer

Elizabeth Brown – Secretary

Jim Elliott

Russell Lunn

Stop Press!!!

 

13th August ‘09

Since our last posting to the website we have had significant developments.

In June ’09, and after much hard work from committee members, we were delighted to be informed that our application for the DCSF ‘Playbuilder Scheme’ funding was successful to the tune of £49,000.00!! Our application included for new play equipment, aimed specifically at 8-13 year olds, and development of the ‘nature area’.

Since receiving this good news we have had further meetings with our proposed equipment suppliers who  are now preparing design drawings for our approval. The committee is also required to review certain elements of our application where questions may be raised regarding level of challenge or play value or even suggestions for further development and engagement. We are also required to provide realistic and workable milestones and timelines.

We will then meet with a Playbuilder Review Panel to discuss our plans. The aim is, and I quote, “To ensure that the project will reflect the level of aspiration that DCSF hold for this initiative, to deliver innovative and stimulating play opportunities for children and young people”. This may sound rather daunting and there is still work to do, but I am sure we are heading in the right direction!!