Three Categories of play
New development play areas
Play areas for new developments often for into three distinct categories, the Local Area of Play (LAP), the Local Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) and a Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play (NEAP).
LAP
A LAP is the smallest of these categories, and is aimed at younger children.
Key features of a LAP include:
- Being positioned on a well used pedestrian route, within 1 minute walking time of most users
- Minimum of 100 m2 activity space recommended •
- Sign installed, advising the area is intended for children’s play, and that no dogs are allowed •
- Aimed at children 6 years old and younge
LEAP
A LEAP is the middle sized design of the three categories, and typical features include:
- An activity zone of at least 400 m2
- A reasonably flat surface with good drainage, and suitable safety surfacing for the existing equipment
- Introduces challenging play features, with at least 6 different aspects of play included (e.g swinging, sliding, climbing)
- Suitable space for active play around all installed playground equipment
- Adequate seating and bins should be provided
NEAP
A NEAP is the largest size design of the three categories, and typical features include:
- Positioned on an easily accessible pedestrian Route
- A recommended activity one of at least 1000 m2, of which a hard surface area should account for 465 m2
- Suitable space for active play around all installed playground equipment
- A minimum of 9 different aspects of play are recommended, featuring play items suitable for younger children, as well as more challenging and stimulating activities for older children
- Adequate seating and bins should be provided
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