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Work begins on controversial Rye playground
WORK has begun on a controversial adventure play ground on the Rye.
Men began to dig the foundations of the Wycombe District Council project yesterday.
The new play area, which is aimed at the eight to 14 age group, will feature a raised wooden walkway linked by rope bridges, spider nets and a fireman's pole.
There will also be monkey bars, a tree house with games and a slide.
The plans have attracted both criticism and praise from members of the public.
Bucks Free Press website user Pip posted: "I think that this will be a great addition to High Wycombe. I think that it will blend in with the trees beautifully complementing the park."
Another user, Plus ca change, wrote :"The layout...looks fantastic. Wycombe has never seen its like."
However, the High Wycombe Society opposes the change.
Speaking last month, Tony Fooks, vice chairman, said: "I think it's no secret that we are completely opposed to this idea.
"The size and bulk of some of the equipment is totally out of character to the Rye.
"It's an open space for the public and in that context putting something like that on the Rye and building on it is not appropriate."
Responding to Mr Fooks criticisms, Cllr Jean Teesdale from Wycombe District Council said: "I've listened to the society's concerns and I do sympathise with them but at the end of the day I feel the Rye is a recreation ground and we need to let children play in a safe environment but be as free as possible.
"It's a good thing and I think once it's there they will realise its not as bad as they thought.
"We need to give children something to do to keep them off street corners and keep then healthy."
Work is expected to finish in August.
1:02pm Thursday 3rd July 2008
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CommentPosted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 2:34pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Can't wait, this is going to be great fun for post pub antics.
I'm sure some of the detractors will love it if they just give it a
go and Fooks himself
may even enjoy it.
Can't wait, this is going to be great fun for post pub antics.
I'm sure some of the detractors will love it if they just give it a
go and Fooks himself
may even enjoy it.
Posted by: BrianD, Hazlemere on 2:39pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Move into the 21st Century Mr Fooks. Better for the kids to hang on an aventure playground than to hang around the streets.
Move into the 21st Century Mr Fooks. Better for the kids to hang on an aventure playground than to hang around the streets.
Posted by: motherclanger, High Wycombe on 2:40pm Thu 3 Jul 08
I think The Rye is a little more that a 'recreation ground' Cllr Teesdale. I have a book of ledgers of High Wycombe and the Rye is mentioned as far back as 1368. It wasn't used for swings, adventure playgrounds or fairs then!! I think the Wycombe Society should have fought this one.
My other comment is this: A wooden walkway linked with ropes, spider nets and a firemans pole, monkey bars and a treehouse and a slide.....so kids with disabilities once again miss out! Disabled kids don't want to play do they?
I think The Rye is a little more that a 'recreation ground' Cllr Teesdale. I have a book of ledgers of High Wycombe and the Rye is mentioned as far back as 1368. It wasn't used for swings, adventure playgrounds or fairs then!! I think the Wycombe Society should have fought this one.
My other comment is this: A wooden walkway linked with ropes, spider nets and a firemans pole, monkey bars and a treehouse and a slide.....so kids with disabilities once again miss out! Disabled kids don't want to play do they?
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 2:46pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote]My other comment is this: A wooden walkway linked with ropes, spider nets and a firemans pole, monkey bars and a treehouse and a slide.....so kids with disabilities once again miss out! Disabled kids don't want to play do they?[/quote]
[shakes head]Run for the hills the PC brigade has found us[/shakes head]
My other comment is this: A wooden walkway linked with ropes, spider nets and a firemans pole, monkey bars and a treehouse and a slide.....so kids with disabilities once again miss out! Disabled kids don't want to play do they?
Run for the hills the PC brigade has found us
Posted by: DaveG, Wycombe on 2:59pm Thu 3 Jul 08
There's always one, isn't there?
Motherclanger, are you Ivor in disguise??? Or are you just another one who's trying to live in the 1360's?
I think this is a great addition to the Rye - it's right in the corner, mainly hidden by trees and will not detract at all from the beautiful vista across the Rye to the woods and dyke in the South.
There's always one, isn't there?
Motherclanger, are you Ivor in disguise??? Or are you just another one who's trying to live in the 1360's?
I think this is a great addition to the Rye - it's right in the corner, mainly hidden by trees and will not detract at all from the beautiful vista across the Rye to the woods and dyke in the South.
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 3:05pm Thu 3 Jul 08
However, from the highest point of the new playground will our grubby faced street urchins be able to gaze with envious eyes at the 160 acres of land set aside for the 540 students in Wycombe Abbey school?
However, from the highest point of the new playground will our grubby faced street urchins be able to gaze with envious eyes at the 160 acres of land set aside for the 540 students in Wycombe Abbey school?
Posted by: Wigster, Amersham on 3:08pm Thu 3 Jul 08
motherclanger get real for gods sake.My 12 year old son has erbs palsey which means he has very limited use of one arm. I have learnt since he was born to let him try everything, he knows when its not possible but he gives it a go. I will not stop him as he is the poor begger who has to live with it and i cannot shield him from that and it would be wrong to do so. Kids must learn and i have learnt to understand that they adapt very quickly. So all i can say is if you are one of those do gooders who see's trouble with everything i would ask you to emigrate to the far east, that will keep you busy. For once well done WDC.
motherclanger get real for gods sake.My 12 year old son has erbs palsey which means he has very limited use of one arm. I have learnt since he was born to let him try everything, he knows when its not possible but he gives it a go. I will not stop him as he is the poor begger who has to live with it and i cannot shield him from that and it would be wrong to do so. Kids must learn and i have learnt to understand that they adapt very quickly. So all i can say is if you are one of those do gooders who see's trouble with everything i would ask you to emigrate to the far east, that will keep you busy. For once well done WDC.
Posted by: erm, ermsville on 3:14pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote]so kids with disabilities once again miss out![/quote]
so the alternative is...nobody gets it?
zzzzz
so kids with disabilities once again miss out!
so the alternative is...nobody gets it?
zzzzz
Posted by: slacker, Flackwell on 3:21pm Thu 3 Jul 08
I see no reason why a disabled child cannot use a swing or slide with supervision.
I see no reason why a disabled child cannot use a swing or slide with supervision.
Posted by: Catflap, work on 3:29pm Thu 3 Jul 08
can someone tell me where abouts on the rye this is
can someone tell me where abouts on the rye this is
Posted by: motherclanger, High Wycombe on 3:32pm Thu 3 Jul 08
OK lets see - I have a severely disabled child who is in a wheelchair and cannot transfer. He goes to a local school with other severely disabled kids in too so DO NOT tell me to get real. Our kids can't easily use the swimming pool, or any of the recreation area in Wycombe. SO Slacker - there are kids who can't use swings. Wigster - I am glad that your child is 'included'. Seriously good for you for not wrapping him up in cotton wool, but you should know that there are kids with very very limited mobility that won't be able to use this facility. Elmo and ERM (Rather DUH!) I am not being PC they should have thought about inclusion for all and they haven't.
The fact is the The Rye is one of the few historical peices of land left in HW. We have very few left, we should be proud of it and protecting it.
Call me what you like I really don't give a stuff - sticks and stones, love, sticks and stones.
OK lets see - I have a severely disabled child who is in a wheelchair and cannot transfer. He goes to a local school with other severely disabled kids in too so DO NOT tell me to get real. Our kids can't easily use the swimming pool, or any of the recreation area in Wycombe. SO Slacker - there are kids who can't use swings. Wigster - I am glad that your child is 'included'. Seriously good for you for not wrapping him up in cotton wool, but you should know that there are kids with very very limited mobility that won't be able to use this facility. Elmo and ERM (Rather DUH!) I am not being PC they should have thought about inclusion for all and they haven't.
The fact is the The Rye is one of the few historical peices of land left in HW. We have very few left, we should be proud of it and protecting it.
Call me what you like I really don't give a stuff - sticks and stones, love, sticks and stones.
Posted by: slacker, Flackwell on 3:43pm Thu 3 Jul 08
I don't think anyone is calling you names Motherclanger, at least I am not anyway.
If your severely disabled child cannot use a swing or a slide with help, then what sort of public play area would be suitable for him?
BTW I am not being arguementative here, I am genuinely interested in what you think would be suitable for your child.
I don't think anyone is calling you names Motherclanger, at least I am not anyway.
If your severely disabled child cannot use a swing or a slide with help, then what sort of public play area would be suitable for him?
BTW I am not being arguementative here, I am genuinely interested in what you think would be suitable for your child.
Posted by: erm, ermsville on 3:44pm Thu 3 Jul 08
oh you do sound bitter motherclanger
oh you do sound bitter motherclanger
Posted by: Ivor on 3:56pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Is there going to be CCTV surveillance of the play area? If not surely it will only attract “funny” characters....
I wonder how much the playground will cost? Perhaps they should put up some permanent goal posts so the children can play football?
[bold]Have you read Ivor’s blog today?[/bold] Click on the [bold]“Opinion”[/bold] link on the menu on the left then click on [bold]“Readers Blogs"[/bold].
Is there going to be CCTV surveillance of the play area? If not surely it will only attract “funny” characters....
I wonder how much the playground will cost? Perhaps they should put up some permanent goal posts so the children can play football?
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the
“Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on
“Readers Blogs".
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 3:57pm Thu 3 Jul 08
I'm sure there be a nice gentle slope with a large run off area you can push him down.
WHEEE!
I'm sure there be a nice gentle slope with a large run off area you can push him down.
WHEEE!
Posted by: motherclanger, High Wycombe on 4:04pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Me I'm as bitter as you want to make me if it makes YOU feel better for your lack of understanding of those around you.
My point is they could have made parts of it accessable for all - you have all missed the point
Me I'm as bitter as you want to make me if it makes YOU feel better for your lack of understanding of those around you.
My point is they could have made parts of it accessable for all - you have all missed the point
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 4:06pm Thu 3 Jul 08
I'm sure there will be, perhaps you missed the point when highlighting the the more adventurous features.
I'm sure there will be, perhaps you missed the point when highlighting the the more adventurous features.
Posted by: slacker, Flackwell on 4:09pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]motherclanger[/bold] wrote:
Me I'm as bitter as you want to make me if it makes YOU feel better for your lack of understanding of those around you.
My point is they could have made parts of it accessable for all - you have all missed the point [/quote] Well I have tried to be understanding and have asked what you want from a play area.
motherclanger wrote:
Me I'm as bitter as you want to make me if it makes YOU feel better for your lack of understanding of those around you.
My point is they could have made parts of it accessable for all - you have all missed the point
Well I have tried to be understanding and have asked what you want from a play area.
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 4:21pm Thu 3 Jul 08
The following link is to the original proposed play area, please note the areas marked as "suitable for integrative play"
http://www.wycombe.g
ov.uk/uploads/docume
nts/Leisure%20and%20
culture/ChildrensPla
ygroundCompanyDispla
y01.pdf
The following link is to the original proposed play area, please note the areas marked as "suitable for integrative play"
http://www.wycombe.g
ov.uk/uploads/docume
nts/Leisure%20and%20
culture/ChildrensPla
ygroundCompanyDispla
y01.pdf
Posted by: motherclanger, High Wycombe on 4:22pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Slacker - it isn't what I want it is what the designers/councellor
s should have thought of - inclusion. OK then...we could have had a wheelchair accessable roundabout - they do exist and fixed walkways with things to do on them. The lower level could be, and possibly is, for the less mobile of kids.
Elmo, I didn't pick out the more adventurous details; I listed what the BFP put in their column.
Slacker - it isn't what I want it is what the designers/councellor
s should have thought of - inclusion. OK then...we could have had a wheelchair accessable roundabout - they do exist and fixed walkways with things to do on them. The lower level could be, and possibly is, for the less mobile of kids.
Elmo, I didn't pick out the more adventurous details; I listed what the BFP put in their column.
Posted by: acjy1985, high wycombe on 4:33pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Not sure if anyone noticed but I think Ivor made his first sensible suggestion ever. Fixed goalpoasts could be a good idea however I think the "big kids" may hog them.
Not sure if anyone noticed but I think Ivor made his first sensible suggestion ever. Fixed goalpoasts could be a good idea however I think the "big kids" may hog them.
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 4:37pm Thu 3 Jul 08
motherclanger, did you follow the link?
Any comment about the treehouse with the telescope and sensory play area, or the ramp up to the top of the agility trail, or the stairs with wheel tracks, or the swinging hammock?..
...or the power of research?
motherclanger, did you follow the link?
Any comment about the treehouse with the telescope and sensory play area, or the ramp up to the top of the agility trail, or the stairs with wheel tracks, or the swinging hammock?..
...or the power of research?
Posted by: slacker, Flackwell on 4:47pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]motherclanger[/bold] wrote:
Slacker - it isn't what I want it is what the designers/councellor
s should have thought of - inclusion. OK then...we could have had a wheelchair accessable roundabout - they do exist and fixed walkways with things to do on them. The lower level could be, and possibly is, for the less mobile of kids.
Elmo, I didn't pick out the more adventurous details; I listed what the BFP put in their column.
[/quote] Have a look at the link that Elmo has provided. It seems that there is wheelchair accessibility for the play area including a wheelchair ramp, a wheelchair accessible slide and a sensory play area.
Actually looking at the map, I didn't realise this new playground was going to be so big. This looks fantastic.
I blame BFP for the lack of information on this news story. They could have made a big thing about the facilities for disabled children but they have either chosen to ignore it or have not checked the details.
motherclanger wrote:
Slacker - it isn't what I want it is what the designers/councellor
s should have thought of - inclusion. OK then...we could have had a wheelchair accessable roundabout - they do exist and fixed walkways with things to do on them. The lower level could be, and possibly is, for the less mobile of kids.
Elmo, I didn't pick out the more adventurous details; I listed what the BFP put in their column.
Have a look at the link that Elmo has provided. It seems that there is wheelchair accessibility for the play area including a wheelchair ramp, a wheelchair accessible slide and a sensory play area.
Actually looking at the map, I didn't realise this new playground was going to be so big. This looks fantastic.
I blame BFP for the lack of information on this news story. They could have made a big thing about the facilities for disabled children but they have either chosen to ignore it or have not checked the details.
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 5:08pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Nope, nothing to say.
I guess we get back to the
Fooks, err.
Not sure what he wants, is it to keep a historically significant big patch of grass intact?
Nope, nothing to say.
I guess we get back to the
Fooks, err.
Not sure what he wants, is it to keep a historically significant big patch of grass intact?
Posted by: motherclanger, High Wycombe on 5:23pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Actually Elmo I have other things to do than spending my life on this computer checking up on how you are knocking me!! I agree with Slasher there is nothing in this piece of journalism that says anything about it being disabled accessable which they could have made a huge thing of.
AND NO I haven't had time to wade through that mountain of information yet because I have been caring for my son.
Actually Elmo I have other things to do than spending my life on this computer checking up on how you are knocking me!! I agree with Slasher there is nothing in this piece of journalism that says anything about it being disabled accessable which they could have made a huge thing of.
AND NO I haven't had time to wade through that mountain of information yet because I have been caring for my son.
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 5:32pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Appology excepted.
Posted by: Red, High Wycombe on 6:04pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Open spaces are slowly diminishing because of developments like these...at first it seems like a harmless, new and so-called, exciting 'addition' but urbanised areas have to start somewhere. My point is that once something is given the the'go-ahead' to build on the Rye, who is to say that it won't lead the way for more developments.
I think the idea of a play area is a good one but perhaps a different location would've been more sensible and sensitive - we should be introducing additional parks and open spaces not tarnishing those that exist in such manner.
Open spaces are slowly diminishing because of developments like these...at first it seems like a harmless, new and so-called, exciting 'addition' but urbanised areas have to start somewhere. My point is that once something is given the the'go-ahead' to build on the Rye, who is to say that it won't lead the way for more developments.
I think the idea of a play area is a good one but perhaps a different location would've been more sensible and sensitive - we should be introducing additional parks and open spaces not tarnishing those that exist in such manner.
Posted by: Town Cryer, Wycombe on 6:44pm Thu 3 Jul 08
The cabinet member responsible for this is now Tory councillor Tony Green .
Want to tell him what you think of the decision to put Play area on Rye
-- e mail --
Tony_Green@wycombe.g
ov.uk'
Im sure he will welcome your comment !!! Though based on past experience will do very little to address what the people of Wycombe really want !!! Lets have a Town Council and take control of our own future
The cabinet member responsible for this is now Tory councillor Tony Green .
Want to tell him what you think of the decision to put Play area on Rye
-- e mail --
Tony_Green@wycombe.g
ov.uk'
Im sure he will welcome your comment !!! Though based on past experience will do very little to address what the people of Wycombe really want !!! Lets have a Town Council and take control of our own future
Posted by: R of Wycombe, High Wycombe on 8:29pm Thu 3 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Catflap[/bold] wrote:
can someone tell me where abouts on the rye this is[/quote] It's between the nursery and the boathouse, nicely tucked out of the way from prying eyes. You know the bit of the rye where all the teenagers go after school and sit in their groups drinking cheap cider and smoking dope.
Catflap wrote:
can someone tell me where abouts on the rye this is
It's between the nursery and the boathouse, nicely tucked out of the way from prying eyes. You know the bit of the rye where all the teenagers go after school and sit in their groups drinking cheap cider and smoking dope.
Posted by: Plus ça change..., Wycombe Bliss on 10:29pm Thu 3 Jul 08
Looks nice in the artistic representation.
Probably got something for everyone.
If not, WDC read all these posts!
When are you going to designate a nice green area close to the town centre, say, between Eden & the H?
A nicely landscaped area on a slope with a small waterfall (that works...), picnic area, tables, benches, shrubs, pergolas, flowers, pond, some ducks, somewhere we can go for 10 minutes and have an intown breather or chomp on our kebab & pesto baguettes and slurp our Wycombe lime, liquorice and mango megasmoothie.
Any local DIY giant could probably knock something together for us.
A little bit of intown Chilterns.
I'll take my own deckchair.
Thanks.
Looks nice in the artistic representation.
Probably got something for everyone.
If not, WDC read all these posts!
When are you going to designate a nice green area close to the town centre, say, between Eden & the H?
A nicely landscaped area on a slope with a small waterfall (that works...), picnic area, tables, benches, shrubs, pergolas, flowers, pond, some ducks, somewhere we can go for 10 minutes and have an intown breather or chomp on our kebab & pesto baguettes and slurp our Wycombe lime, liquorice and mango megasmoothie.
Any local DIY giant could probably knock something together for us.
A little bit of intown Chilterns.
I'll take my own deckchair.
Thanks.
Posted by: Town-man, High Wycombe on 4:56pm Sat 5 Jul 08
Does not matter who the Cabinet member is Teesdale or Green ( at least he is a town member). It is [bold]NOT WDC[/bold] paying the bill. It is a [bold]BIG LOTTERY[/bold] Funding. Where was the public consultation of this? Yet another reason for a Town Council, would this have happened in Marlow??? NO WAY
Does not matter who the Cabinet member is Teesdale or Green ( at least he is a town member). It is
NOT WDC paying the bill. It is a
BIG LOTTERY Funding. Where was the public consultation of this? Yet another reason for a Town Council, would this have happened in Marlow??? NO WAY
Posted by: Elmo, High Wycombe on 10:05am Mon 7 Jul 08
Lets play spot the nimby...
...I win!
Lets play spot the nimby...
...I win!
Posted by: Town Cryer, Wycombe on 10:52pm Tue 8 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Town-man[/bold] wrote:
Does not matter who the Cabinet member is Teesdale or Green ( at least he is a town member). It is [bold]NOT WDC[/bold] paying the bill. It is a [bold]BIG LOTTERY[/bold] Funding. Where was the public consultation of this? Yet another reason for a Town Council, would this have happened in Marlow??? NO WAY[/quote] This only happens because Tory councillors like Tony Green let it.
Organisations like Wycombe Society, Local resident groups and other political parties --along with a Town Council if we were allowed to have one would consult the residents !!!
Town-man wrote:
Does not matter who the Cabinet member is Teesdale or Green ( at least he is a town member). It is NOT WDC paying the bill. It is a BIG LOTTERY Funding. Where was the public consultation of this? Yet another reason for a Town Council, would this have happened in Marlow??? NO WAY
This only happens because Tory councillors like Tony Green let it.
Organisations like Wycombe Society, Local resident groups and other political parties --along with a Town Council if we were allowed to have one would consult the residents !!!
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