Two children's play parks in Sidmouth are to have a major revamp, with different layouts and new equipment.

The town council is inviting companies to present their proposals for the play areas at The Ham and Long Park.

The council is asking for 'innovative submissions that provide thoughtful, creative play spaces that take account of the opportunities for children to enjoy active, sensory, creative, imaginative, social and reflective play'.

The letter to the companies adds: "We are also committed to using natural and sustainable materials which integrate with the natural landscape as far as possible, and to weaving in elements of planting and growing to promote biodiversity and appreciation of the natural environment."

The council wants the play areas to be suitable for children aged two to 14, to take account of different physical, social and emotional abilities, and to offer types of play to suit different preferences.

What equipment might the play areas have?

Children and parents/carers have been asked what they'd like to see in the play parks. The children's wish-list included climbing facilities, swings, slides or a helter-skelter, a seesaw, a ground-level trampoline, play buildings, a zipwire, roundabouts and an obstacle course.

Parents and carers were keen to see seating and shelters, zones for different age groups, structures with multiple features, the use of hills and tunnels to create extra interest, free-standing items to build or create with, and water hydration points.

The town council said the planning of the improvements comes at a time when families have come to value outdoor play spaces more than ever because of the Covid lockdowns and the closures of schools and leisure facilities.

It wants the design of the play area at The Ham to reflect its proximity to the beach and sea, and to include a sandpit.

The council also said local groups including Sidmouth In Bloom, Friends of the Byes, the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group, the Sid Vale Association, Sidmouth Plastic Warriors and Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub are important stakeholders in the project, with the potential to add community value to the revamped play areas.

Companies are being asked to submit designs and quotes for supplying and installing the new equipment, up to a cost of £45,000 for Long Park and £90,000 for The Ham.

They have until Wednesday, June 16 to submit their proposals, which will then be reviewed by the town council and presented to local families so that their views can be taken into account before the final decision.