Agenda item

That the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy be approved for adoption and implementation.

The Commissioner for Environment & Open Spaces introduced a report which sought approval of the Parks & Open Spaces Strategy 2015-2020 which set out the priorities for further improvements to the 87 parks and open spaces in Slough and to encourage more people to use them.

The importance of parks and open spaces was recognised, with around three quarters of residents using them on a regular basis.  However, with both parks usage and physical activity levels in Slough both lower than national averages, the strategy was an opportunity to promote formal and informal activity by increasing the number of ‘welcoming, safe and easily accessible’ parks with a diverse range of facilities.  The new strategy defined the Council’s vision and priorities to 2020 and incorporated the views of more than 900 residents surveyed.  The key priorities and targets were detailed in section 5 of the report which included new facilities, improved landscaping, promotion and a more meaningful role for residents in shaping the facilities and environment of their local parks.  Significant improvement works were planned in 2015/16 at several parks including Bails & Godolphin and Kennedy Park.

Commissioners discussed the importance of links with the broader Leisure Strategy which had been agreed last year, and in particular how the actions proposed would contribute to the targets to reduce obesity and increase levels of activity.  The Assistant Director, Community & Skills responded that the two strategies were closely aligned and that informal activity in parks and open spaces was a vital step towards more formal leisure activities.  The five-year implementation plan for the Leisure Strategy agreed by the Cabinet in March 2015 included a range of specific programmes to promote these opportunities.  Members were updated on some of the practical actions underway including the Get Active Programme using parks as their primary location during the summer months and multi-sports course training that had been provided to more than 30 people who had committed at least 20 hours to community activity.

Members suggested that there was more potential in engaging local people in the gardening and upkeep of the parks.  The Assistant Director recognised this and highlighted that Priority 5 of the strategy aimed to encourage residents to take a more active role in parks and contribute to the delivery of projects.  The Commissioner for Education & Children’s Services stated that many young people often cited concerns about safety as a barrier to using parks and requested that Slough’s Youth Parliament be fully engaged in seeking to address these issues.  The Assistant Director agreed that this would be taken forward.  Commissioners also discussed the short and medium term options to resolve parking and traffic issues in Salt Hill Park.

The Cabinet welcomed the strategy and agreed that it be approved.

Resolved –  That the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy be approved for adoption and implementation.