Agenda item

2.    Glen Gardens Play Park Consultation – Dave Meigh Operations Mgr CYC

Overview:

• Councillor Webb described going into Tang Hall and Heworth Primary Schools back in June to ask the pupils what they use in Glen Gardens currently and what they’d like to see. A visit was also carried out to speak to children in the park. The findings were then communicated to the
•  Then during the previous week with the three shortlisted tenders were taken back into the school where the children were given a chance to vote on their favourite.
• Dave Meigh runs through the 3 options which were narrowed down from 6 by a panel of colleagues.

Option A:

• Places to sit.
• Climbing and swinging.
• More accessible paths
• Keep the slides
• Trail on the mound/ledge.
• Big Swing
• Accessible see saw
• Mostly wood with steel feet.
• (Drawback – Lots of bark-chip)

Option B:

• More equipment and play opportunities
• Good seating options
• Great options on the mound.
• Moved basket swing.

Q = We have a lot of ASB with the swing, it’s hidden from view and teens group together and throw things over the fence. Also younger children are known to vandalise items and shout/swear. We would be keen not to have too much near the back wall.

A = Dave Meigh answers that basket swing will be moved away from area to the other side of the mound away from the houses.

Q = Will everything be together in the central area?

A = Dave Meigh answers that the multiplay unit will stay where it is but swing will move in to the central area.

A = Cllr Douglas states that mound is not as big as it seems in photo and it’s about bringing it all in and fitting it into the existing landscape. And that we hope by investing into the park a sense of pride of ownership is created.

A = Cllr Webb states that parents didn’t all like the mound due to the sightlines being obstructed., by bringing the equipment into one field of view it helps.

Option C:

• Key piece of equipment is the castle section.
• Basket swing moved.
• Accessible and baby swings.
• Sunken trampoline.
• (Drawbacks less accessible, less seating, less climbing)

Discussion:

Residents discuss how Option B looks good. That option C looks less accessible. That they like the sensory boards.

Results:

Cllr Webb informs that children from Tang Hall and Heworth Primary voted:

Option A = 31

Option B = 139

Option C = 49

Objections:

Room asked if there was any objections to the decision by the children. Mostly support for Option B. Resident from Glen Lodge mentioned that items on the mound might cause problems with items thrown over, asked for consideration for them when works are carried out. Cllr Webb agreed that ASB is an issue which needs looking at but that we need to make the most of the play area and opportunity rather than sacrifice the opportunity because of one or two individuals who will always cause issues. Further mention of work going into alternative youth provision options currently.

One resident asked about some more seating on Option B. Dave Meigh answered that the winning design will be tweaked and there is more seating than shown in the photo.

Question about timelines. Dave Meigh answered:

A few weeks procurement, few weeks Christmas, 6-10 weeks for equipment to be made. Best case installation in Easter, worst case May. 2 – 3 weeks installation.

Cllr Webb says he is happy for Option B support, thanks Dave Meigh and others involved. States that this concludes first section of meeting and invites others to visit the maps at the back of the room to discuss the transport and parking issues in Heworth. 

DECISION:

**OPTION B SELECTED FOR GLEN GARDENS PARK IMPROVEMENT**