Whitchurch Parks Observational Research

23rd September

Me and Jodie went around all the parks in Whitchurch there was six in total. We observed them in ways of promoting and revamping them. We also went through the reasons why these areas weren't being used by the public. Here is visual evidence of why and also our initial thoughts when we arrived at each location.

Queensway Park

Apart from Jodie and I and a lot of ducks the park was deserted. The grass was overgrown everywhere and there was a lot of duck poo and litter all over the place, there was even somebodies coat left on a bench. You can tell that the park had been taken over by youths because of the beer bottles and cigarette packets dotted around. The children's park area was actually padlocked shut which restricts children's play as they cannot get in. It's as if they're making play a prohibited thing to do. There was offensive graffiti all over the place. There was a sign saying no ball games in this area but they had goal posts up which was a bit confusing. There was a large pond there but a very short fence which is a danger for young children with no supervision. There was broken fences dotted around the place. The area is also know for holding car boot sales which doesn't really promote play for children, it's fun for the adults instead.

Wayland Park

Wayland park was overgrown and derelict, all the swings etc had been taken down and was left with a fenced off area of grass which we found blood stained clothes and rubbish. The area was in a poorer part of Whitchurch.

Park near hospital

This park was in a more inviting area the grass was newly cut and there was no litter, the one part that spoilt it was the graffiti on the wall. The play area was fenced off and felt safer for a child. But although it was a nice day there was only a small child a woman and a puppy there. In the play area of the park the litter was in the he bin but there was graffiti on the climbing frame which showed there is a presence of youth activity here. The swings were rusting and the red paint was peeling off. The old run down swings peeling red paint symbolises danger, anger and violence. Red can be recognised as a warning sign. This could put parents and children off playing on them as well as the condition of them.In contrast the new climbing frame has all different things for children to play adventurously on and it's also in four different colours. Green that symbolises nature, life and learning it can help stimulate the child's learning skills whilst playing. Purple symbolises mystery and is known to boost a child's imagination. Most children love the colour too. Yellow symbolises happiness and joy it's a bright colour that shines brightly when the sun is on it, this will attract people's attention. Play should be a happy time for children. Light blue symbolises calming.

Small Park By Iceland

This park was very small and not for kids over the age of six the flooring was spongy but unlevel so children could easily trip up. The paint work needed some work it was rusting and stripping off. There was broken parts that children could hurt themselves on. The area was nice but probably too secluded to be used. The A and B climbing frame gives a educational side to play.

Victoria Jubilee Park

Victoria Jubilee Park is the most visited park in Whitchurch due to it's central location. There was no litter on the floor but graffiti was visible on park buildings and benches, There were children with their parents they were no more than a couple of feet away. Fenced around to prevent vandalism. Council looked after with lots of flower beds and trees and mowed grass.

Mare Close

Mare park

This park is set in a new housing estate and looked unused. There was no children around just some builders as not all houses had been sold yet there was no one else around. Like the park by the hospital, the playgrounds colour scheme was green and purple symbolising nature, learning and mystery. The mystery of this play area is due to the different equipment compared to others. It's good for children's imaginations as it gives them the freedom to make up situations using the tepee. Maybe they'd play cowboys and Indians and also a climbing wall with peep holes in. The ground is soft and squidgy as well as grass. It's a safe area with a metal fence around it and it's located between to rows of houses facing it, so parents can keep a look out from their houses and don't need to be supervising them outdoors.