Agenda item

The committee will receive a verbal update regarding outdoor gyms from the Operational Director, Community Services.

That option A, as defined in the report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted to the committee meeting held on 28 January 2015, be selected as the preferred location for the outdoor gym.

Chris Whyte (Operational Director, Community Services) provided an update to the committee regarding the installation of an outdoor gym in Barham Park. Members were informed that the consultation conducted regarding the preferred location within the site of an outdoor gym had recently concluded. Consultation was conducted via an online survey and the circulation of hard copies to residents and users of the Barham Park complex of buildings. Seventy-nine responses had been received. It was emphasised that the survey had provided for four different options (as detailed in the report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted to the committee meeting held on 28 January 2015). A fifth option had subsequently been made known to officers but it was highlighted that the majority of respondents would not have been aware of this additional option. Outlining the results to the committee, Chris Whyte advised that a small proportion had indicated that they did not want an outdoor gym at the site at all, fifty-four per cent had selected option A, thirty-one per cent option B and options C and D had been chosen by approximately 7 per cent of respondents. Five people had expressed a preference for the fifth option.

The committee questioned whether the fifth option would enable the gym to be visible from the road, as it was known that this could be an important factor in attracting users. The Chair invited comments from members of the public. Queries were raised regarding the co-location of the gym with the children’s play area (as envisaged with the selection of option A) and concerns were expressed regarding the limitations that option A would place on the use of the park by the fair and those wishing to hold picnics in that area. A view was put that the historic aspect of the park would be spoilt by the installation of the outdoor gym at option A and a further view was expressed that the pollution from the road made this site fundamentally unsuitable. In explanation of the additional fifth option, it was commented that the installation of the gym at the proposed alternative site would encourage footfall through the park, thereby creating a safer environment for use by the general public.

Responding to the issues raised, Chis Whyte confirmed that the proposed alternative site was located in the centre of the park and would not therefore be visible from the road. It was further clarified that the pros and cons for each of the four options were made clear in the consultation.

The committee noted the security concerns raised in favour of the fifth option but agreed that these rather made a case for exploring additional security measures for the park. Members highlighted that the committee had at its last meeting identified a preferred location (option B), subject to consultation; however, the results of this consultation demonstrated a clear majority in favour of option A.

RESOLVED:

That option A, as defined in the report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted to the committee meeting held on 28 January 2015, be selected as the preferred location for the outdoor gym.