Voting closes soon! Residents invited to vote on final design for new Sandy Hill playground

Residents are reminded that voting on the final design for a brand-new play area at Sandy Hill in Farnham closes soon!  You have until  5pm on Friday 4 October 2024 to let the council know which design you like the most so why not 'swing' on by and have your say...

In May, Hale Community Centre asked the Sandy Hill community for their views on the current play equipment and what new facilities they would like to see provided for local children. The feedback from residents has helped to shape six innovative and engaging playground designs for local families to choose from.

Local children said they would like more opportunities for climbing, swinging and sliding at the new playground, and these elements are key features of each design. There are smaller adventure frames for younger children to enjoy, and equipment, like four person see-saws, that can be used by multiple children at the same time.

Residents called for there to be more inclusive play equipment for children with disabilities, particularly those on the autistic spectrum, and all the proposed designs include accessible units that enable children of all ages and abilities to play together.

Everyone can view all the design options for the new refurbished play area, and vote for the one they like the most, at www.waverley.gov.uk/SandyHill. Voting closes at 5pm on Friday 4 October 2024.

The community vote will form an important part of the evaluation process, and the final design will be implemented as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to creating safe and enjoyable recreational spaces for local children.

Councillor Catherine Powell, Surrey County Councillor for Farnham North and a Trustee of the Hale Community Centre said:

“It is wonderful to see another phase of the Sandy Hill Green Space Masterplan coming to fruition. The formation of the Sandy Hill Stars Football Group was step one, with new football goals and rerouting one of the paths to accommodate a larger playing area in progress. This phase sees the upgrade of the playground and I am very glad that funding has been found for this from Surrey County Council’s Your Fund Surrey Small Community Projects Fund, alongside an additional financial contribution from a generous private benefactor.

“From discussions at the Sandy Hill Fun Day on the May bank holiday, I know how much this will be valued by local residents. The new designs look exciting and I encourage everyone to get involved in selecting the final design, which will be implemented in this financial year.”

Councillor Kika Mirylees, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Leisure and EDI, added:

“The involvement of local residents has been at the heart of this project, and has led to the creation of some wonderful design options.

“From climbing structures to interactive play zones, each design has been developed with input from local families, so they really reflect the preferences and needs of our local community.

“All that remains is for you to pick your favourite, so if you live in the Sandy Hill area of Farnham, please make sure you have your say. Join us in shaping the future of this exciting new community playground.”

Waverley Borough Council will manage the tender process and oversee the installation and ongoing maintenance at the play area.