Purpose

To present a strategic framework for the
sustainable delivery of outdoor play across Huntingdonshire,
ensuring inclusive, high-quality provision that meets the needs of
current and future generations. The framework aims to prioritise
investment in areas of greatest impact, enhance flagship sites
capable of generating income, and to review the entirety of our
play assets to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Decision

The Cabinet
 
(a) 
adopted the Sustainable Play Framework as the strategic
approach for play provision across Huntingdonshire, ensuring
alignment with the Corporate Plan, Healthy Open Spaces Strategy
(2020) and the Council’s Climate Strategy;
 
(b) 
approved the tiered play provision model as detailed in the HDC
Final Report (Appendix 1) and phased implementation
plan (2025–2030) as outlined in the HDC Final Report
(Appendix 1) and supported by the HDC Implementation Guide
(Appendix 2), including audit and prioritisation, pilot projects,
and District-wide rollout, to deliver inclusive, high-quality play
spaces;
 
(c) 
committed to securing multi-year funding through the Medium-Term
Financial Strategy (MTFS) to lock in the indicative
£730,000 capital investment and enable delivery of the
framework;
 
(d) 
delegated authority to the Head of Leisure, Health &
Environment in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Parks
and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene to identify and co-ordinate
the development of income-generating flagship sites to create
a commercially sustainable model that reinvests revenue into the
wider play network; and
 
(e) 
delegated authority to the Head of Leisure, Health &
Environment in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Parks
and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene to develop community
engagement initiatives and co-design to ensure inclusivity,
local ownership, and alignment with the needs of children, young
people, and families.
 

Reasons for the decision

The Sustainable Play Framework provides a
strategic, evidence-led approach to improving outdoor play
provision across Huntingdonshire. It responds directly to
consultation findings, national best practice, and the
Council’s Healthy Open Spaces Strategy (2020), ensuring that
play spaces are inclusive, imaginative, and accessible to all. By
prioritising investment in high-impact areas and enhancing flagship
sites, the framework supports improved health and wellbeing,
community cohesion, and environmental resilience—delivering
on Corporate Plan priorities and statutory duties.
 
The recommended decisions also enable the
Council to establish a financially and commercially sustainable
model for play. Through the identification of underused sites and
development of income-generating destinations, the framework allows
the Council to direct resource appropriately and create
opportunities for reinvestment. Embedding the programme within the
Medium-Term Financial Strategy ensures delivery is achievable and
resilient. Collectively, these measures position Huntingdonshire as
a forward-thinking authority committed to delivering high-quality
infrastructure that improves lives and supports thriving
communities.

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Do
Nothing
 
Choosing to take no action would mean
continuing with the current approach without introducing a
strategic framework for play provision. This recognises that play
provision is discretionary. While this option requires no immediate
planned investment there will be cyclical replacement works carried
out. This option does not position the Council to respond to
changing community needs, address accessibility requirements, or
deliver on the ambitions of the Healthy Open Spaces Strategy (2020)
and Corporate Plan. It would also limit opportunities to create a
financially sustainable model for play and to maximise the health
and wellbeing benefits that high-quality play spaces can
deliver.
 
Option 2: Do
Something
 
This option involves making selective
improvements to existing play areas without adopting a
comprehensive strategy. While this would provide some visible
enhancements, it would not deliver the systemic change required to
ensure long-term sustainability, inclusivity, and financial
resilience. Investment would be reactive rather than planned,
reducing the ability to prioritise resources where they will have
the greatest impact. This approach would achieve incremental
progress but would not fully realise the potential benefits of a
coordinated, evidence-based framework.
 
Option 3: Do
Everything (Recommended)
 
Adopting the Sustainable Play Framework offers
a proactive and strategic solution. This approach focuses on
creating a tiered model of provision that prioritises investment in
high-impact locations, enhances flagship and hub sites to deliver
inclusive and engaging play experiences, and ensures compliance
with national standards such as those set by Fields in Trust. It
also incorporates the principles of Design for Play, ensuring that
spaces are imaginative, accessible, and integrated into the wider
public realm. By aligning with the Healthy Open Spaces Strategy
(2020) and Corporate Plan priorities, this option supports improved
health and wellbeing, strengthens core service delivery, and
contributes to environmental sustainability. It also establishes a
commercially viable model by developing income-generating flagship
sites, enabling reinvestment across the network, and securing
long-term financial resilience. It also positions the Council in a
positive way when applying for external funding and working with
partners to deliver improvements