Agenda item - Consideration of Options for Mile Oak Recreation Ground

Report of the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

1)           That the Committee notes that the Open Spaces Strategy and supporting action plans will set out recommended priorities for the future management of play areas in the city

2)           That the Committee notes that officers are working with MORAG to make some improvements to landscaping and the installation of a ‘Wild Gym’

3)           That the Committee agrees that officers will support the local community in exploring sources of grant funding to secure capital funding for more significant improvements.

89.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing setting out options for improvement and refurbishment of Mile Oak recreation ground following a request by the Committee to receive a report on the matter at its meeting on 25 November 2014.

89.2      Referencing correspondence sent by the Chair of the Mile Oak Action Group (MORAG), Councillor Robins stated had clearer made their view that there were too many issues that were unclear in the report and that there the organisation needed assistance from the council. Councillor Robins noted his concern that the proposed wild gym was more suited to older children and there was a lack of provision for younger people and that there appear a lack of ownership of the issue.

89.3      The Chair stated that he found the report to be quite clear that officers were willing to assist MORAG wherever they could but this was in the context of a limited capacity to do so due to ongoing budget pressures and the associated backlog of maintenance.

89.4      Councillor Cox stated that he felt the council had to take a realistic approach as whatever the outcome of the local and central government elections, it was clear there would be no additional, significant funding provided. Councillor Cox stated that he had visited Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) that morning and had seen first-hand their innovative programmes particularly with sport activities. Councillor Cox stated that PACA were keen to work with MORAG to improve the park and the wider issue of community enterprises needed to be looked at.

89.5      Councillor Daniel stated that she understood resident’s frustration at being told there was limited funding or officer capability when the council was investing £400,000 in Values Training for its senior staff.

89.6      Councillor Deane stated that she understood resident’s disappointment adding that it had perhaps been a mistake to invest large sums into Playbuilder equipment that had a 10 year life expiry when simpler, sustainable equipment was often desired.

89.7      Councillor Theobald noted that the Friends of Carden Park group had been enthusiastic in its approach and had made grant applications to improve its equipment that had been successful. Councillor Theobald suggested that may be the way forward for other parks in the city.

89.8      Councillor Mitchell stated that MORAG were willing to undertake work into applying for funding but the group needed advice from council officers and she hoped this would be forthcoming.

89.9      RESOLVED-

1)           That the Committee notes that the Open Spaces Strategy and supporting action plans will set out recommended priorities for the future management of play areas in the city

2)           That the Committee notes that officers are working with MORAG to make some improvements to landscaping and the installation of a ‘Wild Gym’

3)           That the Committee agrees that officers will support the local community in exploring sources of grant funding to secure capital funding for more significant improvements.