CORK County Council is FLOATING the idea of splashing out €50,000 for a play area on Spike Island.
The council is looking to create a 12×10 metre playground for kids who visit the former island prison and fortress site.
Over it’s 1,300-year history, Spike Island has played host to a 7th-century Monastery, a 24-acre fortress, and the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times.
The tourist attraction, situated in Cobh, Cork, currently features the 200-year-old Fort Mitchel – a star-shaped fortress that became a prison holding over 2,300 prisoners.
And now the council is seeking design proposals for a small play space adjacent to the island’s cafe.
The project has a budget of €50,000, including VAT, according to tender documents,
The documents say the play area should have “links to site history for role play value” but that the equipment used should not distract from the historic setting.
It adds: “The play amenity is not for play of long duration, probably 20-30 mins max as visitors to the Island will want to use the 4 hour time slots to enjoy the walks and visit the tours and exhibition spaces primarily.”
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The council has outlined a number of elements that it expects to be included in the playground, such as, climbing steps, rope and nets, slides, crawl through tunnel, a roundabout, and sensory boards.
It also states the requirement for a “toddler play unit” which should include “slide, climbing & role play” facilities.
The tender docs state: “This project involves installation of robust play features and play equipment catering for both younger and older children (i.e.ranging from 0-13 years).
“The play space should include a range of equipment and play opportunities that allow for constructive, imaginative and group play.
NATURAL LOOK
“Design proposals should include for imaginative play, constructive play, group play and include play opportunities and a range of accessible equipment.
“The play space should be visually open to the surroundings. Materials should be durable. It should look as naturalistic as possible. Use of Robinia or similar play equipment.”
It added: “The playground must be designed using the ‘Universal Design Concept’ ensuring that the play needs of all children who are differently abled are considered.
“The equipment should mainly have a natural look, use of timber Robinia units, rope nets, stainless steel & sensory panels on play panels where appropriate.”