Three designs have been put forward to see which type of playground will be installed at Amersham’s Hervines Park.

Shared via the Town Council’s website, members of the public have been encouraged to come forward and give feedback on which design they prefer.

Each example contains the basics such as swings, a slide and a jungle gym, but  they vary in design, size, layout and individual features.

Here is design one Here is design one (Image: Amersham Town Council)

A spec of each play area will be on show at the upcoming Heritage Day in Old Amersham on September 8.

The park already has a playground, but plans are underway for it to be developed, with the design being left in the hands of the public.

Town Clerk, Lizzie Richardson, told the Free Press that children being able to play outside is ‘vital’ to their development and that following the Covid-19 pandemic which saw play areas close for a temporary period, parents asked for dispensations to be made to allow youngsters to enjoy the equipment.

Here is design twoHere is design two (Image: Amersham Town Council)

She said: “It’s so important that children can go outside and play.

“It’s vital.

“When we closed the play areas based on Government guidance during the pandemic, we got many calls from parents asking to reconsider.

“Children need to play and we are always welcome for what ever feedback comes our way.”

It’s not the first time there have been talks to have the park revamped in recent years.

In the summer of 2019, Amersham Town Council proposed ‘making changes’ to the layout.

Amongst the suggestions listed in the consultation for new equipment, the council have proposed installing outdoor gym equipment, a climbing frame, EasyAccess roundabout, a venture trail and more swings.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic eight months later, plans were shelved.

For the upcoming plans, each design has been made so that able-bodied and disabled children can enjoy features the park offers.

A statement on the Town Council’s website reads: “Hervines Park playground is getting a revamp, and we would like your input on the final design.

Here is design threeHere is design three (Image: Amersham Town Council)

“If you can spare five minutes, please review each of the three designs below, then complete the survey at the bottom of this page.

“We would encourage feedback from children too!”

Are there enough playgrounds in the UK?

With technology taking over youngsters and adults’ leisure time, there has been a debate about whether children are spending enough time outside playing in playgrounds and enjoying the outdoors.

According to smartscrapers.com, there are 15,534 playgrounds across the UK as of July 2024, with there being 264 in Buckinghamshire.

To find the closest one to you, visit https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/health-wellbeing-and-sports/parks-and-open-spaces/find-a-park-or-play-area.