In Tavistock, the Meadows is a level open space, mainly laid out to grass with tarmac paths running through it between the River Tavy and Tavistock Canal. In the centre is a children’s play area and towards the Meadowlands swimming pool at the northern end is a covered bandstand.

The planning authorities of West Devon Borough Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority are currently analysing the provision and management of play areas in response to new Planning Policy Guidance (PPG17) from Central Government. This presents an important opportunity to engage communities in addressing what additional space and facilities are needed, and how existing provision might be better managed.

Overall, the amount of space available for play falls far short of nationally recommended levels and the quality of facilities is variable. There are some particularly good facilities, with considerable participation on the part of the community towards their upkeep and maintenance. More often, however, vandalism and anti-social behaviour can be major issues.

In Tavistock the quality of play areas is assessed as follows:

Good:	The Meadows: Suitable for range of ages, interesting play equipment, well maintained, good surveillance and plenty of seating. Bishopsmead: Safe access, facilities for range of ages below mid-teens, evidence of poor maintenance.
Reasonable:	Buctor Park: Suitable for informal play, good surveillance but road safety may be an issue. Courtlands: Good provision for older children, well maintained and good surveillance. No play equipment for younger children.
Limited:	Ransum Way: Limited equipment, no facilities for older children, no seating but good surveillance. Bannawell Street: Uneven surface, isolated footpath, river, limited surveillance but good range of adventure play equipment. Whitchurch: Unimaginative equipment, long grass, uneven surface, limited surveillance.
Mixed:	Green Hill: Suitable for informal play. Some safety problems and limited surveillance.