Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by madmoo0 on 14/6/2006

---

thank you so much for replying! we tought of playground equipment and not sure where u are gonna open but in cardiff area we looked into it. and it can't be normal swings it has to be purpose built public swings that the council uses under the new regulations. they cost a fortune!! but will last forever. Thanks for the info on the shop thats a big help. where r u gonna set up? All the best to you

---

There are no such things as regulations. There are european standards but these are only recommendations and not law. I know about this because I inspect, repair and maintain fixed play equipment, swings, slides etc. These standards primarily apply to equipment that has public access or in schools etc.

 However, these standards do not apply to equipmet which is within a private faciltity and are monitored on a regular basis. But it would still be recommended that you use approved play equipment manufactured by an approved supplier and installed by registered firms.

It would also be recommended that you have regular independent maintenance inspections, and keep records of those inspections, in case of any incidents.

Went to a campsite that seems to have gathered lots of awards and is very popular ..great thing they offered was a choice of sites ..family sites for campers with children ..tents around the edge play equipment in the middle ..and an adults only field which was great for us who have been there got the t shirt but dont always want to camp in the middle of the anklesnappers ......

wardens drive round at dusk ..children have to be off the play equipment then ..and the whole campsite is quiet at night ..bliss and no one seems to mind

There is also a wilder camping section at the back of the campsite

Loos showers are spotless.  She will order bread milk papers etc ..but you can also get a lots of thigs from local shops ..guess you dont want the overheads of a hugely stocked shop!

Local interest information very useful ..local pubs, shops etc etcv ..and big stores

Good luck

Hiya

Sounds like a great idea, let us know when you're open!

Things that we'd like to see on a campsite are:

TOILETS, soft loo roll.

SINKS, mirrors, soap dispensers, hand dryers or paper towels.

SHOWERS, free showers or included in the price, can't stand faffing around with tokens/coins. Even if the showers are like the ones at swimming pools where you press the button and they stay on for a set amount of time before you need to press the button again. A hook on the back of the door, big enough to get dressed in.

POWER POINTS for hairdryers, don't mind paying for these.

SHOP selling ready made sandwiches/rolls, pasties, cakes, biscuits. Bottles of single beers/breezers etc from the fridge, ice-creams/lollies. Toiletries, first aid stuff OR somewhere to get a breakfast/snacks.

PLAY AREA more suitable for younger kids than older kids!

LOCAL INFO, leaflets, list of local eating places/pubs

No late night noise.

Good Luck with your venture.

Hi

On our (seasonal) site, my kids of 5 and 7 love the monkey bars (with a bit of help) and the basketball hoop.  We started off close to the play area to keep an eye on the little 'uns, but moved to a pitch in the next field over because the teenagers kept our kids awake in the night.  So you might want to make sure people can park their vans away from it, if they want!

If you could stock penny sweets, mini-milk lollies, tip tops and those cheap frozen carton drinks, it would be easier on the parents' pockets - you can't just buy for your own kids, you have to hand over enough money for the whole group - usually about 8 kids!

Make sure you advertise in all the local papers around the valleys!

Best of luck to you

how about a washing line the campers can use, a tv room?, and as already said camp fire pits! you could then sell fire wood at £3 a bag.

cold beer in the shop is a must!!

good luck, we'd love our own site!

Has anyone mentioned bottles of plonk for when you run out in the middle of a bbq? (speaking from experience!)

Has anyone mentioned buggy hire??

I can never fit ours in the over-loaded car but would be delighted to find a site that has them for hire.

And citronella candles!