PFC Minutes April 2021
Scopwick and Kirkby Green
Playing Field Committee
MINUTES
Minutes of the online meeting held on the 20th April 2021
1. Present: David Nelson (Chairman), Rosa Nelson, Jane Drury, Jules Wilkins (Parish Clerk)
Apologies: Jill Moran, Guy Harvey, Neil Gridley, Mark Driver
David welcomed everyone to the meeting
2. Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 23rd February 2021 were APPROVED.
3. Financial Report
Jane provided the Treasurer’s Report, stating that the balance at 30/03/21 was £2899.81 compared with £7066.48 last year. Therefore the total spend for 2020/21 was £4166.67. David confirmed that £199.20 is due to paid for the additional stepping logs in the play park.
4. Inspection Report
Jules presented the inspection report on behalf of Jill. The park is being well used and on my inspections in addition to emptying the small bin and picking up litter I am routinely covering up the concrete foundations on the toddler play equipment where the bark has moved/been compressed. The bin by the gate was full on Wednesday this week. I will keep an eye on the situation but it may be that a larger bin may be needed. Also the new turf is drying out and unless we have some rain in the next few days will need some water.
David confirmed that the turf has been well watered from the bowser which Philip has agreed to leave on site and is being refilled. There is some browning on edges where the contractors lifted the turf to cover the edges of the safety matting. It is probable that grass seed will need to be put down to fill gaps as a result of this and this will be done when the weather is suitable.
5. Playing Field Development
• Update on Play Equipment Project
• Jules reported that work is now completed and has been signed off by David. The whole project cost £44k, £43k of which was funded by FCC/Coop. This does not include the initial £4886.14 paid by the Playing Field Committee. On her visits to the park Jules has received very positive feedback from park users. The final report and claim for the remaining FCC balance has been submitted and accepted and the Parish Council has paid the VAT and Coop grant elements of the invoice. Jules suggested that it may be useful to do some community consultation, perhaps at the event on 26th June, to gauge the success of the development. This could be combined with consultation about outside exercise equipment. A feature on the park will be included in the next village newsletter.
Rosa added that she had received a lot of thanks from the community for the new equipment and wanted to pass this on to the Committee.
Jane asked the group if cable ties should be added to the top bar of the new swings to prevent pigeons sitting on it, in the same way as has been done in the toddler park. This was AGREED and Jane and Rosa agreed to undertake the work.
• Bins and Gate Replacement/Repair
Jules shared ideas for bin replacement with the group. The group preferred the larger wooden look bin and AGREED that Jules should progress to request funding from the Parish Council at the May meeting in order that the bin can be installed for the event in June.
The playing field gates have been inspected and although the gate posts are sound, repair to the damage would be impractical and potentially more expensive than replacing them. An estimate of £220 per gate, plus additional cost for pails (fixed to prevent dogs getting onto the field). It was AGREED that Jules will obtain 3 quotes and bring them to the next meeting for consideration.
Rosa informed the group that the park needed additional ‘no dogs’ signs. It was AGREED that the Jules would obtain prices for 2 more signs.
• Outside Exercise Equipment
The group discussed the recommendation made by Guy regarding equipment selection. David felt it was important not to consider as just for adults as it is designed for 14 years upwards so could appeal to teenagers. David further clarified that he considered the goal posts more of a priority than the exercise equipment and the group should not rush to make a decision. The group agreed there is not enough community support to justify spend on this equipment presently and it was AGREED that a survey will be carried out, including at the June event, to assess interest (including what type would be valued). Rosa emphasised the importance of purchasing quality products that will last a long time and not need constant maintenance. It must also be simple to use and not need training. David stated the group would consider bids for available grants later in the year. Jules agreed to commence work on the consultation questions.
• New football goals
The group discussed options for the goal posts and ruled out mobile goal posts due to safety and security issues. The two concerns stated previously regarding the pitch is the quality of the ground in front of the goals and balls being lost/damaged by going into the hedges. David has inspected the pitch and does not consider there is significant damage. He did agree that the hedge is an issue and stated that when new goals are installed they will be moved further away from the hedge. In the meantime steps need to be taken to prevent balls going into the hedge. It was AGREED that David would get a price for mesh fencing to be placed a metre or two in front of the hedging that will prevent balls being lost but also allow hedges to be cut back when needed. It was further AGREED that Rosa would liaise with Mark to see what else can be done to help.
6. Fundraising/Events
• National Lottery Fund
Due to the decision regarding outside exercise equipment this bid will not be progressed but a new bid will be considered later in the year.
• 26th June Event
The group discussed ideas for the event, the focus of which will be the official launch of the new play park equipment. Jules confirmed that she had invited a representative from FCC to attend and will contact the Coop to send a rep too. It was agreed that a barbeque would be suitable. Rosa suggested obtaining a temporary licence to sell alcohol. Games and sports could be organised but this depends on how many volunteers are willing to be involved in the organisation. It was AGREED that Rosa will identify and approach suitable volunteers.
7. Items for inclusion on agenda for next meeting
The group agreed that all the agenda items from tonight will need discussing at the next meeting. No additional items were identified.
8. Future Meetings
The next meeting will take place in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 18th May 2021.
Minutes prepared by Jules Wilkins Parish Clerk