Issue - meetings

Reporting Person – Giorgio Framalicco

Following pre-decision scrutiny by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 23 January 2023, the Executive received a report which set out a proposed approach to assessing the future refurbishment needs across the Borough’s existing play areas.  Councillor Nicholson, Portfolio Holder for Green Spaces and Play, highlighted the importance of play and its many benefits to children.  The report set out a proposed approach to assessing play area refurbishment priorities.  Following a question regarding consultancy costs, the Executive was advised that such costs would be dependent on the scope of the strategic assessment which was still to be finalised.  It was anticipated that any potential consultancy fees could be covered though existing budgets.

The Executive welcomed the report, noting that play area refurbishment assessment would include consideration of neurodiverse and other additional needs.  In addition, ensuring the Council’s play areas were well maintained would form an important part of meeting Green Flag standards.

RESOLVEd

That  (i)    the proposed approach to assessing play area refurbishment priorities outlined in the report be agreed;

          (ii)   Officers begin developing a programme of works for those priorities identified through the refurbishment assessment, within the available project budgets for the coming year; and

          (iii)  Officers seek proposals from appropriate consultants to undertake a strategic assessment of the Council’s play areas, as outlined in the report.

Reason:   The decision will contribute towards the Woking for All Strategy objectives related to play, by enabling officers to implement an evidence-based approach to prioritising play area refurbishment need, thus focussing available budgets where they are most needed and can be most effective.

For the Committee to receive a report on the refurbishment of play areas.

Reporting Person: Arran Henderson

The Committee welcomed Arran Henderson, Jack Fidler and Tracey Haskins to the meeting.

The Committee was pleased by the report and that money had been provisioned for maintaining the various play areas across the Borough.

Following a query from the Committee, it was confirmed that warranty periods existed on individual items when installed, the length of which varied depending on the type of item.  It was considered very rare to need the warranty period.  Most items installed had a life expectancy of 25-35 years.

Arran confirmed that it would not be appropriate to release publicly the scores attributed to parks.  Officers would publicise significant works to play areas ahead of time.

A strategic approach was being developed on how to maintain play areas most effectively.

RECOMMENDED TO THE EXECUTIVE

That  (i)    the proposed approach to assessing play area refurbishment priorities outlined in the report be agreed;

          (ii)   officers begin developing a programme of works for those priorities identified through the refurbishment assessment, within the available project budgets for the coming year; and

          (iii)  officers seek proposals from appropriate consultants to undertake a strategic assessment of the Council’s play areas, as outlined in the report.