Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 14^th of November 2023.

The notes of the meeting held on 14 November 2023 were received.

Information on the approach that the Council takes on this issue, and an overview of the forward programme.

Members received a presentation on the programme and approach to refurbishing play areas within the Horsham District. They heard that HDC was responsible for 52 play areas within the District. The Parks and Countryside Development Manager explained the strategy focused on improvements to provide better play value to a wider age range, utilising areas with open spaces. An emphasis across all parks was to use natural materials, increase play spaces, remove fences where possible, and provide cohesion throughout the play space.

The Parks and Countryside Development Manager provided detail on the frequency of inspections of play equipment. She further detailed the criteria for prioritisation of replacement play equipment. The reasons for replacement being age, safety, likely usage, public interest, proximity to other play spaces and inclusivity.

A breakdown of funding for play spaces was provided explaining how S106 contributions are utilised as well as external grants and big lottery funding. Members were briefed on future plans such as improvement projects in Holbrook East, Billingshurst, Southwater and Pulborough as well as a focus on youth activity areas to ensure that the play spaces provided are inclusive and innovating.

The Head of Leisure and Culture updated Members that the Cabinet report would be considered at Cabinet on 25 January.

Members noted the cost of the works were £10.7m. Which included £2.9m of contingency sum that would be used to address any unexpected issues.

Overview of the items in the Plan that are relevant to this PDAG.

The Director of Communities provided a presentation setting out the annual plan initiatives that related to the Leisure, Culture and Greenspaces portfolio. These included new play spaces, scoping development of cultural strategy for the Horsham District, creating a Denne Road Cemetery heritage trail, investments in improvements at the Southwater Country Park toilet facilities and installation of an outdoor gym at Bennetts Field.

Members discussed how the task and finish group can collaborate with this policy advisory group to achieve positive outcomes.

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Leisure, Culture and Green Spaces portfolio

The forward plan extract was noted.