Agenda item

Discussion and ideas gathering for the park improvements.

1.    Main meeting – welcome and introductions (6pm)

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Kent who welcomed everyone, set out the housekeeping rules and reminded residents that the meeting was non-political.

2.    Back Park improvements

Councillor Kent invited Karen Stafeckis, McLaren Regeneration Development Director and Rob Wolfe, CHY Consultancy Managing Director to outline the proposal.

Karen explained that York Central Developers (YCD) want to give back to the community and have previously contributed an amount of £50k which was allocated in form of grants via the Two Ridings Community Foundation York Community Fund to York’s voluntary and community groups supporting purposeful community action and creating a sense of belonging. Further £50k of funding was committed by YCD and Back Park was identified as a location to benefit from improvements. It is understood that that parts of the site are neglected and underused. YCD would like to understand residents’ ambitions on how the site could be improved with the use of dedicated funding and tonight’s discussion starts the process.

Rob added that to enable maximum social impact the project will be undertaken as a co-design with the community and local voices informing emerging improvement proposals. All ideas are welcome i.e. how the site is used currently, what is wrong and what could be improved. St Barnabas School will be visited to gather feedback from families and young people and local groups and organisations will be consulted as part of the process.

At tonight’s meeting residents were able to look at a printout of a satellite view map of Back Park and provide initial ideas using post it notes.

Q – What is the timescale of the project?

A – A brief will be created by the summer, using feedback form tonight and other planned engagement sessions. Following that we will work with our in-house design team with the view to deliver the project at approximately this time next year. Decades ago, Back Park was donated by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to the City of York Council (CYC) who are now responsible for its upkeep. The intention is to work together with CYC to deliver the project.

Q - Cllr Taylor added that the amount of £50k offered by YCD towards the project should be used as effectively as possible to maximise the community benefit. He asked if YCD are able to commission contractors directly, or will have to go via the CYC procurement process?

A - Karen replied that this is being discussed with CYC. The preferred route would be to involve designers and manufacturers who are appointed directly by YCD, as opposed to going through the public procurement process.

Q – Will you be consulting with all demographics and asking everyone how Back Park is used?

A – Yes, the intention is to speak with as many people as possible to inform improvements which appeal to and are accessible to everybody.

A comment was made that Back Park is a great asset, however it is not maintained as it should be. The play equipment section is fine, however the entrance from Balfour Street feels intimidating with overshadowing trees and walls creating division. It has been badly designed from the physical appearance perspective. Could the trees be thinned out to make it a bit brighter?

A – We will work with our designers on how suggestions such as this could be achieved.

Another comment was made that trees are important, especially with the progressing climate change and the shaded areas are important and make the space look inviting.

A suggestion was made that YCD visit West Bank Park to see the Pavilion, which is open to the public on certain days. Refreshments and ice cream are being served to take away during after school hours, making it very popular with the community. Perhaps a similar community café could be built at Back Park?

A – Thank you for the suggestion. We will visit West Bank Park to see the café.

Q – Are there any plans to invest in other areas?

A – Back Park was identified for this second investment. Previously we have awarded funding to 30 local organisations via the Two Ridings Community Foundation York Community Fund. We would like to focus on Back Park and see it to completion before any other commitments are made.

A comment was made by representative from the West Bank Park Bowling Association that their application to the Two Ridings Community Foundation York Community Fund was turned down which was very disappointing. The Association runs two bowling rinks which accommodate four bowling clubs. Everyone is volunteering and there are no paid members of staff. Refreshments are being served at very affordable prices, and the warm space session attracts over 30 people. It is a great way for people to socialise with each other. 

At this point Karen and Rob thanked everyone for their contributions and offered to stay until the end of the meeting to gather further feedback and answer any other questions.