Special shelters will soon be installed at The Moatfield in Bushey, Furzefield in Potters Bar and Phillimore Recreation Ground in Radlett.

It had been hoped that the shelters would be ready by the end of January but problems with sourcing materials have meant that the timetable has slipped slightly.  Councillor Brenda Batten, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Health, explained: "Since the designs were agreed the price of steel has increased and therefore we have agreed to slightly change some of the materials in order to keep the project in budget.  This has caused a minor delay."

Arts and environment organisation Green Heart Partnership is leading the project and has advised the shelters will be in place by April.

The unique structures have been designed so the whole community can use them and have been funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

The Moatfield inhabits a unique site and community. It was once the site of a medieval manor house called Bournehall which was completely surrounded by a large moat. The site is 160 x 230 metres and now just has a moat on two sides. It has been identified as an Area of Archaeological Significicance because of its size and good preservation.

The park enjoys the support of a committed group of local people, The Friends of The Moatfield, who have campaigned for improvements to this valuable local resource. Since 2003 a number of projects have been implemented that pick up on the key qualities of the site and have allowed park users to take greater enjoyment and pride in the place. The ongoing Hertsmere Community Spaces project provides an opportunity for revisiting the requirements of the park, making improvements to the site and for delivering a new meeting and sheltering space. .

Designs have been informed by the views of those who live in the local area and use the parks from day to day. The development team aims to provide an exciting new addition and resource to the park which can be enjoyed by all. Photos from the recent 'Fix and Tricks' day can be seen at the gallery

Location for the shelter

The shelter will sit on a cross-roads of existing informal and formal pathways between the woodland strip and moat to the north, and the formal play area to the south.

The area is surrounded by foliage which will reduce noise transference but can be seen clearly from across the park. Ground areas may be water logged during heavy rain and will need further investigation.

Key considerations for the positioning of the shelter:

• Where young people are already meeting
• Away from immediate housing
• Easily visible to the community police from the car park
• Linked into paths into the woodlands and the future natural play proposals

Pathways and routes

The floorscape is integral to this design and it aims are:

• It reflects that the shelter as a meeting place
• turns the area and shelter into a play space
• Allows integration into the natural play area
• Creates a link and archway between the park and the woodland nature strip which now contains path ways
• From a far distance the floorscape will aim to draw you eye to the shelter - enhancing its security

Integration into natural play - phase one
The shelter space is being integrated into a wider natural play design for the park and key elements being considered for phase one are:

1. A revised secure play area - by removing part of the fencing and installing a play fence
2. A new natural play area
3. A play floor scape that links to the shelter
4. A play fence