Decision details

The Physical Activity & Health Development Manager introduced the report and advised that Community Services and Licensing Committee approved the Play Area Development and Action Plan in February 2022 which began the review of the 32 Stroud District Council owned play areas. The plan outlined the stages which were required to be undertaken in order to invest £300k Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) funding. These were:

• Stage 1 – Physical Condition Survey undertaken by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
• Stage 2 (insight) – Ethos and Leisure Net were appointed to conduct community consultation and data analysis.
• Stage 3 (identify) – A Task and Finish Group (T&F) analysed the data from both external reports and conducted site visits to identify a list of recommendations for investment, repair and repurpose.

Councillor Aldam advised Committee she had enjoyed being part of the T&F Group and that Officers had also spoken to residents in the community as part of the consultation to help deliver ambitions for play areas for all ages and abilities.

Councillor Jones enquired if the play areas would be subject to weekly or monthly maintenance and vandalism inspections. The Physical Activity & Health Development Manager advised Ubico undertook inspections in addition to the Neighbourhood Wardens. The Head of Community Services advised there was currently a back log of repairs due to Covid-19, however inspections were regularly undertaken.

Councillor Edmunds questioned what would happen with the 3 sites recommended for repurposing and what feedback was received around teenagers. The Physical Activity & Health Development Manager responded that public consultation had been undertaken and community consultation would be undertaken for the recommended repurposed areas.

Proposed by Councillor Prenter and seconded by Councillor Aldam.

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