Agenda item

The Panel is invited to comment on the Parks and Open Spaces Commercial Sustainability Plan.

Executive Councillor: J Kerr

By means of a report and presentation by the Head of Leisure, Health & Environment (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), the Parks and Open Space Commercial Sustainability Plan was presented to the Panel.

In response to a question from Councillor Shaw, the Panel were advised that the proposed activities would not be impacted by the ongoing works at Hinchingbrooke Country Park. It was noted that this was a flexible plan which could react and adapt to ensure viability.

Councillor Bywater was in favour of the proposed plans but expressed concerns about the achievability of the scheme and people management within the parks, in particular being wary of large influxes of crowds in spells of good weather.

Following concerns in relation to Health and Safety expressed by Councillor Tevlin, the Panel were assured that full impact assessments would be carried out as activities were developed to fruition. It was noted that the One Leisure service had strong health and safety experience in the activity realm and that this expertise would be utilised to the Council’s advantage. It was also confirmed that full staff training would be provided for all new activities as they came online.

Councillor Pitt commented on the exciting proposals within the report and noted that whilst driving down the deficit was good news, bring greater footfall to the parks was even better news. He commented that he was delighted to see the proposals for the Riverside Park in St Neots and noted that there was a mini golf course there in need of regeneration. It was agreed to follow up on more parochial details with Officers following the meeting.

Councillor Alban was enthusiastic about the proposals but expressed concern that the tranquillity of the parks and open spaces was part of their charm and that some of the proposed activities may disrupt this. He also expressed concern about the security of some of the activities outside of operating hours, in particular quad bikes, high ropes and axe throwing. The Panel were assured that the report provided an overview of possibilities and that as each activity progressed economic impact assessments would be undertaken. In addition the Panel were assured that solutions would be sought which were in the best interest of the local environment which also being financially viable.

Councillor Hunt reflected that with the drive to increase dwell times, there would be an increased need to use facilities and requested an update on the facilities at the Riverside Park in Huntingdon. The Panel heard that improvements and maintenance to facilities were planned for the coming year and that a specific update on the Riverside facilities would be communicated following the meeting.

Councillor Shaw observed that activities, in particular water activities had potential to be grouped in clusters and that whilst the aquapark was an exciting suggestion, additional opportunities for paddleboarding and canoeing could also prove to be relatively low cost and utilising a similar area. In addition he noted that there was an existing mountain bike trail within Hinchingbrooke Country Park which could be updated and developed.

In response to a question from Councillor Lowe, the Panel heard that the aquapark should not be affected by wet weather during the summer time and that the projections within the report were modest and risk adverse to allow for the unpredictability of weather.

It was observed by Councillor Pitt that investment in regular play equipment could develop the parks into a low cost destination for families and that there was a potential to generate revenue through secondary spend during such visits. The Panel were assured that conversations were ongoing with the Friends of Hinchingbrooke Country Park Group and also local residents in relation to development at the Park and also proposed activities.

Councillor Tevlin reflected on her experiences with Rugby Borough Council and fun days organised by that authority within its parks to include children’s entertainers. She also observed that scavenger hunts, such as those run by the National Trust tended to prove popular with families. The Panel heard that the team had already developed a popular Easter trail around the park and that there were ongoing collaborations with local schools to build on existing educational events.

It was clarified, following an enquiry from Councillor Shaw, that the figures contained within the report showed an anticipated spend of £170,000 for the aquapark and that and anticipated £110,000 income could be returned within year one.

The Panel were assured, following an observation from Councillor Wells, that whilst some of the activities appearing to be aimed at younger residents and families, the parks would very much remain inclusion for residents of all ages.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.