Refurbishment of Potterhill play area Perth

Page 1 of 5

Closes 25 May 2025

This service needs cookies enabled.

Introduction

Potterhill play area is a 'local' play area designed to cater for 4-14 year olds in the local area and would usually include 2 - 3 pieces of play equipment like swings, a roundabout and a climbing frame.

Find out what makes up a 'Local' play area...

We work to a ‘play strategy’ that determines the funds available to refurbish play areas and also the number of pieces of equipment required to service the size of the area. The location also determines the likely material the equipment will be manufactured from, ie timber or metal. Surfacing selection is also based on likely maintenance required.

Summary of play area standards

The following play area standards are the minimum requirement of the Local Play Area category.  These are based on National Playing Fields Association standards.

Local Equipped Area for Play (Local/LEAP)

  • Recommended maximum radius of catchment: 400 m 
  • Target age group: 4-8 years 
  • Active zone area: 200 m2
  • Number of pieces of play equipment: 2 
  • Number of different play activities: 4 
  • Total number of play activities: 4 
  • Grassed play space: 200 m2
  • Seating for adults: 6 persons 
  • Number of Litter bins: 2 
  • All abilities access minimum: 900 mm wide and ramps where necessary 

Housing buffer zone minimum width: 20m (from nearest edge of Active Zone Area to nearest garden or property boundary)

1. The proposals

Site survey appraisal and proposals

The Potterhill play area is ready for a refresh! At the moment, the play surfacing is quite worn, and some of the equipment sits under trees, making the surface slippery. Much of the play equipment is quite old, and there are currently no inclusive play options available.

Access to the play area from Potterhill Flats is also challenging, as the path is steep and uneven, with no handrail for support. Additionally, the shrub bed between the play area and Potterhill Gardens has become quite overgrown.

What's changing?

The refurbished play area will feature bright, colourful rubber surfacing designed to inspire creative play and fun games. New, modern play equipment will replace the existing items and will include:

  • A multiplay unit with a slide, climbing nets, ropes, and platforms
  • An inclusive group nest swing and a double bay swing with a flat seat and cradle seat
  • A small trampoline
  • An inclusive roundabout
  • An inclusive springie

If the budget allows, the access path will be repaired and resurfaced, with a new handrail added for safety. New seating and litter bins will also be installed to make the space more welcoming for all visitors.

To enhance the park’s natural environment, older shrub areas will be removed, and wildflower areas will be introduced, boosting biodiversity and creating more opportunities for environmental education.  A mixed hedgerow at the top of the embankment will be retained, with small hedgerow trees added to encourage birds and other wildlife.

The final design and details will be confirmed following further site investigations, the detailed design process, and project funding availability. We look forward to creating a refreshed and inclusive space for the community to enjoy!

The sketch design