Decision details

The Health and Wellbeing Officer provided an overview of the report and advised Committee that Stroud District Council (SDC) managed 21 play areas, 2 multi-use game areas including 10 play areas in the General Fund. Stratford Park Leisure Centre was not included as part of the Play Area Review Action Plan but would be included in the feasibility study as part of the Leisure Review. The aim of the review was to encourage play and community cohesion by being well designed, located near other community facilities/pedestrian and cycling networks and to be well regarded to allow communities to have value and ownership of the play areas. Page 16 of the action plan (appendix E) outlined the four stages being undertaken during the review.

The Health and Wellbeing Officer responded to Members questions with the following answers:

·         The initial bid for funding was for SDC owned play areas and therefore all investment would be going to SDC areas only.

·         To add ‘sustainable’ into the vision was possible as the report was a draft.

·         As part of stage 2, SDC Youth Council and youth forums in addition to youth clubs and groups would be included in the consultation to encourage youth participation.

·         Parish and Town Councils and community and voluntary groups would be signposted to local funding opportunities for play areas they own that will not be included as part of this SDC play area review.

·         The Health and Wellbeing Officer would advise Councillor Edmunds where the 2 multi-use game areas were located outside of Committee.

Proposed by Councillor Aldam and seconded by Councillor Prenter.

On being put to the vote, the Motion was passed unanimously.

RESOLVED:             1.To approve the Play Area Consultation and

Development Action Plan.

2. Delegate authority to the Strategic Director of
Communities in consultation with the Chair of Community Services and Licensing to explore the play options and make recommendations back to this committee on investment and future management options.