PFC Minutes

Scopwick and Kirkby Green Playing Field Committee

Minutes of the meeting held on the 9th December 2019 at Scopwick Village Hall

1. Present: David (Chair), Rosa, Jane, Angela, Mark and Jill Moran Parish Clerk.

Guy and Neil sent their apologies.

David welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Financial Report.

Rosa had prepared an account showing the income and expenditure for the race night. A total profit of £1,335.50 was recorded. Rosa wished to thank all who helped make the night such a success with special thanks to Jane for donating the food.

Jane reported that the bank balance now stood at £7066.48.

4. Inspection Report.

Since the last meeting Jill had completed weekly visual inspections. The perennial weeds and particularly thistles needed to be cleared from both bark areas and a quote obtained for using a registered sprayer to use a spray which would not kill the grass in Spring 2020. Jill had noted that rabbits were digging in the junior play area and was having to level the ground every week. The Committee agreed to spend some time over the winter removing the weeds.

The toddler area required new bark. David said that the existing bark which was well rotted and needed to be removed before new bark was added. Jill is to look for a contractor to dig out the area.

It was also suggested that before new bark was added a weed impermeable membrane should be installed to prevent further weed growth.

5. Issues Considered.

(a) New Play Equipment

Three suppliers had visited the playing field and submitted plans for new play equipment. Their plans and quotes had been amended following the decisions made by the Committee at the October meeting. The Committee had decided as follows:

i. The fenced toddler area with bark chippings would be retained and only the slide unit removed and replaced and the chippings topped up.

ii. The junior play tower, swings, log cabin and pull up bars would be removed and the area levelled for a new and larger tower (to include double tower with two slides including a tube slide; fireman’s pole; mini climbing wall and steps up with handrail.), new swings and a large basket swing and the area currently barked to be surfaced with grass and grass mats.

iii. The agility trail was to be retained and extended with new somersault bars (as opposed to pull up bars) and in the centre of this area a new log maze climber to be sited on grass mats. Existing and new timbers to be protected from further strimmer damage. Consideration would also be given to the inclusion of a new log cabin as this was a popular item.

The Committee decided that of the three manufacturers, Caledonia Play had supplied the most innovative design using natural materials and stainless steel. They had met the brief and Jill was instructed to ask them to prepare a site plan and fully itemised quote sufficient to apply for funding early in the New Year.

Jill had received advice on applying for a large grant and needed further evidence for the funding application. It was decided to update the questionnaire initially circulated in 2017. The Committee agreed to call on residents with children or grandchildren and update them on the playing field developments and ask them to answer questions on their use of the area.

It was also decided to look at updating the goal posts and football area as a separate funding application as money is available for the sport.

6. No date was set for the next meeting. The next steps in the renewal of the play areas will be a visit from the chosen manufacturer and the completion of the survey giving evidence of use of the playing field. Once both these have been completed a date will be set.

Minutes prepared by Jill Moran Parish Clerk
Scopwick and Kirkby Green Parish Council