Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to present and recommend for approval, a new Three Rivers Play Space Strategy for the period 2025-2030.

Recommendation

       i.          To approve the Three Rivers Play Space Strategy 2025 – 2030.

      ii.          To approve the updated Capital Programme for the period of this strategy and beyond (2025/26 – 2044/45) as detailed at Appendix C and within Appendix A.

     iii.          To give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000 for the play space capital programme, subject to capital budget confirmation as part of the medium-term financial planning process.

    iv.          To agree to the use of S106 funding to be used for the play space projects outlined in Appendix C, subject to the agreement from the legal team at the appropriate time.

The Head of Leisure and Natural Infrastructure introduced the report.

Members emphasised the importance of increasing adult participation in survey in the future, suggesting that physical presence during consultations may yield better results than online surveys. Officers acknowledged the challenges of engaging a wide audience but highlighted that children are the primary users of play areas. For specific play space projects, consultation will be delivered using a variety of online and in person methods, as was completed for Eastbury and Ebury play areas. The conversation also touched on specific issues such as delays in equipment installation, the importance of inclusive play, and the impact of longer grass policies on children’s play opportunities. Officers reassured that play spaces are exempt from the alternative grass management regime. Officers also highlighted that the strategy outlines how play spaces will be inclusive, following the PiPA Wheel and that children shared the importance of bringing nature into their play and the opportunities long grass can bring to imaginative play. Officers also highlighted the play equipment due to be installed Eastbury will be carried out in a timely manner to ensure value for money for the council.

Members also raised some concerns about funding disparities and the impact of policy decisions on play opportunities for children in the community, in relation to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) applications.  Officers reassured Members that they do and will work in partnership with other organisations as the strategy outlines and support them in their CIL applications if they wish to come forward, as they did with the recent Sarratt CIL application for improving their play facilities.

Members raised some concerns about the the grassland management at the Aquadrome and the impact on recreation, Officers highlighted the importance of developing a site master plan in consultation with the community. If successful, this will be completed as part of the Development Phase of the National Lottery Heritage Funded project. However, Officers emphasised that the Aquadrome is a nature reserve first and foremost, rather than just a recreation area.

Members raised concerns about the maintenance obligations of play areas funded by parish councils, questioning the continuity of these obligations when upgrades or refurbishments are due. Officers responded advising that they would need to review previous agreements to be able to provide the information later.

Councillor Jon Tankard moved the recommendation as set out in the report.

On being put to the committee the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

1. To approve the Three Rivers Play Space Strategy 2025 – 2030.

2. To approve the updated Capital Programme for the period of this strategy and beyond (2025/26 – 2044/45) as detailed at Appendix C and within Appendix A.

3. To give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000 for the play space capital programme, subject to capital budget confirmation as part of the medium-term financial planning process.

4. To agree to the use of S106 funding to be used for the play space projects outlined in Appendix C, subject to the agreement from the legal team at the appropriate time.