In the interim, 2 climbing frames and ‘springers’ will be installed to ensure there is adequate play provision through out the summer period, prior to the refurbishment.

“£60,000 work on skatepark - but play area must wait”

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_cambridge/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=474643

The response can be viewed at:

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/24567/

The play area was discussed at a working group meeting on the 24th of November 2009. The notes from that discussion state:

Consultation on both the play area and Skateboard facility will be concluded by mid December.

CHYYPS have two schools to visit this week (Castle and Milton Road) and a skater’s forum is taking place on 9th December.

To date 233 questionnaires regarding the play area have been completed, 164 Children / 69 adults. Respondents have highlighted equipment choices that they would like to see in the refurbished play area such as; Climbing wall, tunnels, monkey bars. New benches, improved signage and better landscaped features were also popular themes.

The question regarding the location of the play area gave in early indication that people felt it should remain in its current position rather than move to opposite side of the pool. (108 respondents said No to moving) Other elements to consider include making the footprint larger to accommodate new styles of equipment and changes in levels / landscape. There was also strong support that the play area should be fully DDA compliant. Julie felt that based on the responses to date, we continue based on the play area remaining in its current position. Alistair commented that this would be easier to facilitate, but that art / play could perhaps be included in any brief regarding the Rouse Pavilion and adjacent area.

Further analysis of the consultation will be undertaken over the next few weeks to include qualitative and quantitative responses. (ST to send through when complete) Debbie felt likely timescales from implementation were likely to be autumn 2010, based on procurement processes and to ensure that the design was right. This would ensure we don’t end up without a play area for the Easter / summer period.

Martin asked that the Council ensure notices were put up on Jesus Green to keep users informed of developments. Alistair suggested considering bolstering activities on Jesus Green over the summer to mitigate loss of any play equipment.

Play area designers would be given a brief based on the consultation and asked to produce suitable designs that would then be discussed. Peter said he would report back to the Jesus Green AGM on 3rd December. Debbie asked if the JGA could then feedback comments from the AGM, which would both, contribute to the consultation and Committee report due at the start of December.

My Comments

I have not been aware of any public consultation on the play area.

There is no reference to those who commented on the play area during consultations about the lottery bid. I don’t think people should have to repeatedly write to the council with their views at every stage of consultation; I would like to see views from previous consultations continue to be considered if they are still relevant.

I think it is excellent that Martin Thompson of the Jesus Green assocation asked the council to put a notices on Jesus Green keeping people informed of developments but this does not appear to have happened.

There is no clear offer of temporary play equipment in the notes of the meeting; but it is not unusual for such notes to be incomplete and Martin Thompson and others who were present reported to the JGA AGM that this offer had been made by the council at the working group meeting. It is not obvious what is meant by : “Alistair [Alistair Wilson, Green Space Manager, Cambridge City Council] suggested considering bolstering activities on Jesus Green over the summer to mitigate loss of any play equipment. ” That could refer to provision of temporary play equipment.

http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/jesus_green_working_group_2009