Notes of the Open Spaces Committee Walk Round

King Georges Avenue Recreation Ground, Community Orchard and Victory Road Recreation Ground

20 April 2021 – 5pm

Those present: Cllr Levermore

Cllr Bing Boast

Cllr John Last

Cllr Lesley Hill

Cllr Mary Anne Woolf

Mrs Hannah Everett-Spearing – Assets Co-ordinator

Apologies: Cllr Bailey, Cllr Ginger, Cllr Cooper, Cllr Corbett

King Georges Avenue Recreation Ground

Councillors commented on the build-up of rubbish but were pleased to see the park being used by a large number of children. Cllr Levermore asked if a routine litter pick of this park could be arranged similar to Victory Recreational Grounds, Mrs Everett-Spearing will investigate. It was upsetting to see that the ‘Welcome’ signs to the park area have been peeled off. Mrs Everett-Spearing will arrange replacements. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Cllr Levermore commented that the park gets very hot and there is little shade for people sit in, could a tree be planted or even a large shade sail be included within the park. Mrs Everett-Spearing to look at costing for next meeting. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Councillors noticed that in the older play park area, the equipment still seems a little young, so maybe older climbing frames or an adventure obstacle courses could be included in the green space area. Mrs Everett-Spearing will investigate and look at obtaining quotes for new equipment. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Cllr Levermore has been approached by the public to ask if the BMX track could be tarmacked completely as it is mainly used by children with scooters now instead of BMX’s. At present more gravel is required along this track. Mrs Everett-Spearing will obtain quotes for further discussion. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Cllr Levermore asked whether another bench beside the hedging near the BMX track would be a good idea, it was noted there is one there already but another one further down might be useful. Mrs Everett-Spearing to obtain quotes. Action: Mrs Everett Spearing

Community Orchard

Councillors were pleased to see that the Orchard was looking well and that many bulbs planted in the autumn have come up along with the annual daffodils and the planting of three new trees from a local resident. It was commented that continuing bulb planting in the autumn will help bulk out the Orchard and make this area very wildlife friendly as well as a nice place to visit. All Councillors agreed that a watering schedule was needed throughout the summer to ensure the survival of the fruit trees and surrounding plants, Mrs Everett-Spearing will arrange with Norse. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Cllr Last commented that two of the entrances/exits to the orchard are not wheelchair friendly, one entrance being very uneven due to exposed cement and both entrances could be wider and flatter for easy access for all. Mrs Everett-Spearing to look at options. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Mrs Everett-Spearing suggested alongside the new map boards by the entrances/exits, an arch or pergola framing these entrances would enhance the Orchard. Cllr Levermore also suggested the trees/bushes from the Woodland Trust Tree Campaign would look great alongside the fence lines of the Orchard and the Sport’s field, which over time will help give some need protection from the wind. Councillors agreed that both ideas would work well and would welcome more information to move this forward. Mrs Everett-Spearing to investigate. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

New benches are required and it was suggested that the current picnic benches be re-homed in King George’s Park and new wooden benches be installed, which will be more in keeping with the woodland area. Mrs Everett-Spearing to source quotes. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Cllr Levermore noted that the fourth tree along from the side entrance with the daffodils may not have survived and may need replacing. Mrs Everett-Spearing to contact Norse and arrange a replacement. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Victory Road Avenue Recreation Ground

Councillors were pleased to see the park had been mowed and looking in a good state. After a walk around it was noted that there were some bare patches among boarder plants, where plants have died and not been replaced, this includes the round sections near the outside gym equipment. Mrs Everett-Spearing to contact Norse to action. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Cllr Boast, supported by other councillors noticed that all the benches within the park need some attention, whether it is a new lick of paint or mending and one corner of the Boules Piste needs to be mended. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Councillors suggested that the town’s Tommy would look nice located in the flower bed beside the outside gym as this is also where the Remembrance Service is held each year. As the Tommy belongs to the town it was suggested we run a campaign ‘Where does ‘Tommy’ belong? This could be run through our Facebook page, website and newsletter, allowing the public to vote on where the ‘Tommy’ should be finally located. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Councillors enjoyed the sight of the skate park being used responsibly and by some very talented young children on their scooters. Councillors discussed the potential of updating the skatepark to include a new area for skaters to use. Councillors agreed to the idea and would like to invite the comments of those who use the park to ensure we are installing something they would use. Councillors also asked if this project could include CCTV cameras, as they felt they would be a deterrent to the damage that is caused to the skate park. This will be a big project to undertake again and the first step will be contacting the local youth groups to gather ideas for the update. Action: Full Council for approval to take this forward

Cllr Last found a concrete post thrown down in the Toddler Play area and requested it is removed. Also, the larger toddler climbing frame needs a repaint, due to wear and tear. Mrs Everett-Spearing to arrange removal. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing

Cllr Woolf, Cllr Levermore and Cllr Hill identified a couple of areas within Victory Park where the Leiston Makes Space For Wildlife could transform into a wildlife environment.

Haylings Pond

The Committee would like to arrange a meeting with the Chairman of the Leiston Youth and Community Angling Society, once the works have been completed at the pond, to see how the works went and how the council can support the club and the pond further. Action: Mrs Everett-Spearing