Westfield Recreation Ground - Harpenden...3 Background Westfield Recreation Ground is located in...

Westfield Recreation Ground Consultation Report November 2014

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INDEX Background 3 Consultation Exercise 1 - Paper and online questionnaire 4 Consultation Exercise 2 - Site based events Consultation Exercise 3 - School based events 7 Consultation Exercise 4 8 Conclusion and recommendations Appendix 1 – Detailed Summary Paper and online questionnaire Appendix 2 - Detailed Summary

Site based events Appendix 3 - Detailed Summary Appendix 4 - Detailed Summary Appendix 5 - Detailed Summary 44

Other issues recorded during onsite consultations

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Background Westfield Recreation Ground is located in Harpenden North Ward and can be accessed on foot via Hyde View Road, Westfield Place, Beeching Close (off Westfield Road) or from the end of Willoughby Road (off Ox Lane). The recreation ground was transferred to Harpenden Town Council in April 2012 from St Albans District Council and it has always been the intention to undertake a consultation with residents and users to investigate how the area could be improved. The Town Council’s Environment Committee on 5 September 2013 reviewed the proposed consultation methods and resolved to engage with residents with a clear brief to “make them aware of the other opportunities and possible benefits associated with improvements to the site.” Methodology The engagement process has used the following methods;

Survey style with both paper and online options

Face to face meetings with residents on site in the recreation ground

Targeted work with children in local primary schools

E mail responses encouraged from residents

The promotion of the events has included website promotion; delivery of information to local resident’s properties that are adjacent to the recreation ground and leaflets left in local community facilities. We are also aware of the promotion of the consultation through other forums and social media by third parties. Additionally we made available the consultation materials on the Town Council website for those unable to attend any if the open sessions held in the recreation ground itself. Consultation Process Rationale The initial survey style method was used to generate an overview of resident views of the existing facility. These were analysed and the key themes extracted for use in the site based events. The purpose of the site based events was to develop the ambitions and aspirations expressed into a more visual presentation of what the recreation area could look like. Visual examples of types of seating, lighting, play equipment etc were displayed as well as examples of good practice in other play areas in order to encourage participants to consider and contribute ideas on how the recreation ground could be improved. Engaging with children and young people was essential. The Community Services Officer visited Manland and The Lea Primary Schools where he interviewed the school councils. Each council had representatives from all year groups. The outcome of the meetings saw children then submit visual representations of what they would like to see in the play area.

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Consultation Exercise 1 - Paper and online questionnaire Executive Summary In total 179 responses were received with 144 submitted online and 35 on paper. Of all the responses 1 provided just their gender, age and postcode and another submitted a blank response. The first question in Section 2 ‘What environmental improvements could be made?’ received the lowest number of responses (144) however respondents did use this opportunity to offer comments and suggestions. It was noted that the online survey included in question 3 a ‘weekly’ category and this was omitted from the paper version. Some respondents who submitted paper replies had amended the choices to include weekly and these have been recorded as such in the results. The consultation did not include the former allotment site but some respondents have commented about this area. These comments have been included for reference only in the detailed summary. The detailed results are presented in Appendix 1; highlights include:

An overwhelming response (72%) that improvements should be made with respondents (78%) stating that they would be more or very likely to use the recreation ground if it was improved.

60% of respondents rating the recreation ground as either satisfactory

or poor. An encouraging response (18%) from respondents on joining a working

party.

85% of the responses received from residents within the postcode area of the recreation ground.

Seating (73%) and children’s play equipment (68%) as the two main

improvements respondents would like to see with the key environmental improvements being more planting (65%) and cleanliness (58%)

Consistent with the recommended improvements the highest rating

reasons that the recreation ground isn’t used is the equipment isn’t challenging enough (27%) and the area is unkempt/littering (32%).

The current use predominately children’s play (57%) with other main

uses being for walking (32%) and the recreation ground acting as a short cut (40%).

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Consultation Exercise 2 - Site based events Executive Summary 54 people attended the site based events and 229 observations were recorded. Participants were asked to consider improvements against the following theme areas on how the recreation ground could be a:

welcoming place

to be active

place to be involved in

safe and secure place

clean and well maintained park

sustainable park

interesting place To stimulate innovative thinking graphics representing the theme areas were provided to introduce alternative concepts to what could be considered the norm. The age demographic of the attendees ranged from under 10 to over 75; 24 were male and 30 were female. The largest group who attended were the 11-17 year olds (22%). The detailed responses are provided in Appendix 2. Key highlights were:

The majority of responses related to having an active area (28%) and a welcoming area (25%). There was much less interest in having an interesting area (4%) or an area to be involved in (6%).

A common theme that ran through the discussions with residents was that they would appreciate minimal improvement and to retain the main green space.

The key improvements people requested were:

More seating (8%); with an additional 4% asking for a covered seating area

Additional dog poo bins (5%) and more bins generally (3%)

Lighting generally (4%) and low level lighting in particular (3%)

Repair the zip wire (3%)

An improved multi-use game area (2%) and a second goal (2%)

Better maintained entrances (2%) and improved pushchair access to equipment (2%)

There were however observations made that some of the existing equipment was inappropriately sited, too close to residential properties and this created issues for those living in these properties. Several attendees expressed views relating to the former allotment site and these are recorded in the appendix 5.

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The 11-17 year olds represented the highest proportion of consultees however they didn’t want to record their observations on paper. They indicated to officers that they would like more suitable equipment for their age group. Other consultees mentioned that this age group were using the toddler area inappropriately and in our discussions the young people intimated that they would appreciate a covered shelter. This would reduce their need to ‘shelter’ under the existing equipment. Officers observed young people’s use of toddler equipment during their visits to shelter under. Residents asked on numerous occasions for the zip wire seat to be replaced. Officers advised that the seat was out of service due to dog owners teaching their dogs to attack the seat.

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Consultation Exercise 3 - School based events. Executive Summary A total of 23 young people from Manland Primary and The Lea Primary School Councils participated in sessions delivered by the Community Services Officer. The key focus was to establish what children valued and would like to see in a recreation ground. Using various pictorial representations of recreation grounds children were asked to choose their favourite and explain why. The space chosen was very similar to Westfield Recreation Ground with several comments noting the benefit of a large space, opportunities to play football and basketball along with having play equipment. The opinions of the children varied when shown an image of Westfield Recreation Ground. Some expressed that the area was very good with the opportunity to play sports. Others however stated that it was horrible, with lots of long grass and rubbish. One School council came with a long list of proposals on how the existing space could be improved. The responses included the need for a second goal, more equipment and a cleaner area. When asking the children about how we could make the recreation friendly, safe and somewhere to be active again a variety of responses were provided. The installation of CCTV and a Park Keeper were popular suggestions. Again, consistent with responses from over 18’s the need for more benches and bins was also stated. In analysing the responses it is interesting to learn that the information provided by children was very similar to that of the older population. It should be noted however that on some occasions the responses received were triggered by the suggestions of others. This was more evident with the younger children in some of their contributions. The important conclusions to draw however is that children want to play in spaces where there is choice and variety of activity for all their family.

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Consultation Exercise 4 – School Recreation Ground designs Executive Summary Following the visit one primary school submitted, in total, 140 proposed designs from all year groups. 27 of the replies were from reception children (age 4-5) who indicated swings, slides, climbing equipment, their replies were not included in the detailed analysis as not all the pictures were clearly identifiable. Of the remaining 113 analysed, the most popular request was for a football area (68%), followed by a zip wire (42%) and water features (35%). The water feature included references to ponds, lakes, rivers and fountains; features such as swimming pool and splash pool were recorded separately. 31% of the children illustrated swings and the same percentage illustrated slides. 30% indicated benches. Among the more unusual requests were a zoo, a McDonalds and a cinema. The full results are in Appendix 4 with some illustrations provided as an example.

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Conclusion and recommendations The information collected has demonstrated that residents are keen for the recreation ground to be updated and whilst the needs of individuals differ it has been intimated that small tweaks would be sufficient to significantly uplift the ground to make it a more amenable space for the local community to enjoy. The key improvements that residents would like to see are: · More seating · Equipment for the 8+ age group. · Reinstatement of zip wire seat. · More bins · Improved entrances · Hard surface surround for ease of access. · Installation of lighting To interrogate these wishes further and to test their suitability the Town Council will need to consider its next steps. There are a number of options available. These include:

1. The Town Council notes the content of the consultation and considers if it is appropriate at this time to progress with any of the aspirations.

2. The Town Council extrapolate some of the key highlights and approve

measures that will immediately meet some of the need, e.g. the repair of the zip wire, the installation of more benches and bins.

3. The Town Council commissions a landscape architect and suitably

qualified play equipment companies to develop concept designs. Designs could then be presented back to the community for further consultation. These designs would then require costing and re-presenting to the community.

4. A task and finish group consisting of Town Council Officers and local

community members work to produce a concept design and work with suitably qualified contractors to undertake a costing exercise to identify a true budget required to meet the aspirations and visions.

With each approach the influencing factor is assessing the financial implications against community ambition. It is clear that all approaches will require investment and whilst there is a budget set aside for development it will not be sufficient to realise all the ambitions. Whilst this consultation process was solely focussed on the development of the recreation ground residents did request that their opinion on the development of the former allotment site be noted. We agreed to record for information their comments. Similarly some residents on Willoughby Road wished to have recorded their own frustrations with the misuse of the equipment sited closely to their properties and requested that this equipment

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be moved. Additionally it was reported that they were not in favour of this entrance being a main access point in any development of the site. The community clearly value this space and the consultation exercise has been extremely valuable in drawing positive contributions from residents of all ages.

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APPENDIX 1

ONLINE & PAPER CONSULTATIONS

SECTION 1 – Your view on the recreation ground?

How would you rate the recreation ground?

Answer Options Response

Percent Response

Count

Excellent 3.4% 6 Good 19.4% 34 Satisfactory 33.7% 59 Poor 26.3% 46 Very Poor 3.4% 6 Never visited 13.7% 24

answered question 175 skipped question 4

How would you rate the recreation ground?

3%

19%

34%

26%

3%

14% Excellent

Good

Satisfactory

Poor

Very Poor

Never visited

answered question

skipped question

How do you use the recreation ground? Tick as many that apply.


Percent Response

Count

Walking 40.7% 70 As a short cut 32.0% 55 Keep Fit 8.7% 15 Relaxation 15.7% 27 Informal games 23.3% 40 Picnic 9.9% 17 Meeting friends 15.7% 27 Take children to play 56.4% 97 Walking dogs 16.3% 28 N/A 12.8% 22

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Other (please specify) 14 answered question 172

skipped question 7

How do you use the recreation ground?

0102030405060708090

100

Walking

As a

shor

t cut

Keep

Fit

Relax

ation

Inform

al gam

es

Picnic

Mee

ting

frien

ds

Take

child

ren

to p

lay

Walking

dog

sN/A

Oth

er (p

leas

e sp

ecify

)

How often do you use the recreation ground?


Percent Response

Count

Daily 13.4% 23 Weekly 22.1% 38 Monthly 20.9% 36 Rarely 28.5% 49 N/A 15.1% 26


How often do you use the recreation ground?

23

3836

49

26

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Daily Weekly Monthly Rarely N/A

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What are the main factors that stop you using the recreation ground? Tick as many that apply.


Percent Response

Count

Older children 17.0% 28 Equipment not challenging enough 26.7% 44 Dogs 15.2% 25 Areas too busy 1.8% 3 Area is unkempt/littering 31.5% 52 Safety 9.1% 15 Not enough events 13.9% 23 Lack of toilet facilities 12.1% 20 The type and location of seating 21.8% 36 No disabled facilities 3.6% 6 Lack of parking 6.1% 10 Not aware of where the recreation ground is

10.9% 18

N/A 17.0% 28 Other (please specify) 43


28

44

25

3

52

15

2320

36

610

18

28

43

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Old

er

child

ren

Equip

ment not

challe

ngin

g

Dogs

Are

as too b

usy

Are

a is

unkem

pt/lit

tering

Safe

ty

Not enough

events

Lack o

f to

ilet

facilitie

s

The type a

nd

locatio

n o

f

No d

isable

d

facilitie

s

Lack o

f park

ing

Not aw

are

of

where

the N/A

Oth

er

(ple

ase

specify

)

A lot of dog dirt/ not enough seating No good baby stuff, big equipment broken Zip wire has been broken for 4 years This does not apply but I do feel teenage equipment should be updated

as majority doesn’t actually do anything!! Other parks have better/new equipment

Didn't know it was there. Too unkempt, surroundings not nice

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Dog mess Difficult to find Teenage children hanging around in the toddler park being rude.

Large dogs running around. A bit far Not local to me, no young children, no dog. Broken equipment Distance Not a nice setting with seating, flowers, wild life etc. I have no children to take Equipment not working Not really close enough Broken equipment Sometimes there are older children around who my children find

intimidating Can often seem deserted. There are better parks in Harpenden Wrong side of town for where we live I don't have any children and anyway it’s too far from my home. Distance from home Zip wire not working, - this is the most popular item for all my 6

grandchildren Broken equipment and park needs a re vamp Equipment like zip wire out of order Use for change if Marquis Lane busy Broken equipment, not particularly good quality for small children,

broken glass left in children’s play area It seems to be lacking in interest of diversity Feels some what remote & threatening Not enough play equipment Not close to my home It's too enclosed and has a threatening feeling No small children with us at present Strange question - assumption that thee are factors stopping me.

Which factors would make me use it more? Toilets, seating, events, more adult keep fit equipment.

I do use the recreation ground Nothing is stopping us using me I use it! And appreciate having it Anti Social youths Dogs/fouling/kids/teenagers/litter/total lack of control on all remarks in

this section Vandalism Not enough equipment - exercise facility would be nice. Rubbish

collected, keep it clean Dogs are a huge problem - lovely big open space to play but dog mess

has to be cleared away before we can play It feels quite exposed & bleak with no points of interest for a start,

which would be our likely use. Perhaps some organised group, keep fit activities (such as you see in other parks) would attract people.

Nothing stops me using the playground but teenagers’ behaviour decides on how long I stay at the park with my children, e.g. 2013

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fireworks were being played with in broad daylight and in full view of park users.

Is it your view that no changes should be made to the recreation ground?


Percent Response

Count

Yes 27.7% 48 No 72.3% 125


27.70%

72.30%

SECTION 2 - How can we improve the recreation ground? What environmental improvements could be made? Tick as many that apply.


Percent Response

Count

More planting e.g. wildflowers, bulbs, trees 64.8% 94 Creation of wildlife habits, e.g. log piles, long grass, ponds, bug boxes, nest boxes

53.1% 77

Security, e.g. CCTV 29.7% 43 Cleanliness 57.2% 83 Art/Sculptures 16.6% 24 Entrance features 30.3% 44 Upgrade access e.g. tarmac paths, signposting

56.6% 82

Please add any other comments and suggestions 69 answered question 145

skipped question 34

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0102030405060708090

100

More planting

e.g.

w ildflow ers,

bulbs, trees

Creation of

w ildlife habits,

e.g. log piles,

long grass,

ponds, bug

boxes, nest

boxes

Security, e.g.

CCTV

Cleanliness Art/Sculptures Entrance

features

Upgrade

access e.g.

tarmac paths,

signposting

The space could be improved by enhancing it as a 'natural' space,

such as planting wildflowers, leaving some areas of longer grass, planting some shrubs or trees. Such an open space needs to be cherished for the community to enjoy and as a 'green lung' in this residential part of the town.

Events could be held there. Notice boards for Town Council. More challenging equipment, along with CCTV (and warnings) so that people don't train their dogs to chew on rubber seating.

More and improved play equipment It is definitely a dirty park - there is a lot of dog dirt which is not nice

when your children want to play football. The grass could be cut more regularly and more seating areas. They could do with a small football pitch; however the children love the football shooting net so please keep this. Please could the flying fox be replaced also? If new equipment is installed, regular cleaning and security checks to prevent vandalism. I cannot give an opinion on wildlife but it is nice to have blackberry bushes in the park. The entrance to the park, where the bollard is, the pathway could be replaced as it just rocks. Other than that, it is nice an open space - good for football and cricket and for the children to run around. If you split it up into areas then there will be fewer fields.

Access from Hyde view road is too narrow for a push chair. Access from Willoughby Rd is quite dangerous with small children. And access from Westfield Road is often blocked with cars. It would be nice of dog owners picked up the poo. And also didn't let there dogs to laps of the small children's play area so the children can't get in or out

Better all weather surface under play equipment. Play equipment is out of date. Needs toilet facilities. Please can we have a cafe at one of Harpenden’s playgrounds

A bit of cutting back of long grass - but NOT manicuring. A few more seats. Including the former allotment area.

Let people know it is there so visitors can use it and not just local residents in the know. It is a good open space with good children’s play area but the teenage area could do with some updating.

Onsite parking. Attractive entrances. Better advertised. Clear signage to entrances. Ensure no dog fouling. Much better maintenance

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needed. Some improvements to any unsightly surrounds i.e. garage block. All to attract locals who will then will take pride in it.

Residents overlooking could have phone number to ring if they see abuse of equipment or threatening behaviour.

I haven't been back to the playground since visiting it 3 years ago with my small children. There was a group of local children there at the time, around 12 to 14 years old who were littering the area with newspapers they were purposely tearing up. They threatened me and my then 5 and 8 year old children, blocking the play equipment and telling us to leave. They then followed us out of the park continuing to taunt and bully us. At that time the small children play equipment seemed in good order although the zip wire and older kids' area looked to be broken with some graffiti visible.

Dog poo is an issue. Some dog owners are a disgrace! I even found some in the enclosed play area where they are not allowed.

More to do for kids between the ages of 6 and 13. Dogs on leashes at all times (twice my children have been knocked over by large dogs). More severe penalties for not picking up dog poo. Signs to stop older children hanging around in the toddler park.

Make it more attractive with winding paths etc No way, there should be CCTV, it's not big brother. It should be a nice

relaxing environment to be in with setting for just meeting friends, picnics. Very important not to have any traffic near. This is uniquely away from any roads and must stay as such

I like a variety of equipment for different ages. Also space for ball games. My grandchildren enjoy wildlife areas. The Meadows in Insch, Aberdeenshire (which I visit regularly) contains all that my grandchildren need: equipment to play on, space for play, picnic tables, fence shielding a bird/wildlife area with low holes in the fence for children to look through, a board walk over a boggy/water area, paths and tracks to walk round. I appreciate the river doesn't run through Westfield (and Marquis Lane has the potential described above), but a varied environment gives interest to children of all ages. (The Water Meadows in Insch are used by the local nursery and school for little outings and have lots of learning potential as well as fun). Have a look at it - a low budget but delightful place for children.

This is an important green space for the area. There has been a huge amount of in building in the adjacent roads e.g. Willoughby, St James and Lea Road. With more people there is even more need for space for children to play. The allotments are a very important part of this environment too. If the allotments are developed as planned there will be additional traffic which will have an adverse impact on the neighbouring roads and will also make the Westfield playing fields more dangerous to access.

I did not know the site existed, but any protection given to wildflowers, bulbs, trees and the promotion of wild life habits can only be a good thing and should be encouraged.

Another bin for dog mess! More creative playground area to attract more people. More people

would make it feel safer and more attractive. More of an adventure playground for the kids

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I think all of Harpenden's open spaces should be enhanced and utilised properly. I love the sculpture in Rothamsted Park (nr the gym) I wish there was more of it.

Leave it alone - don't waste money. Maintain play areas and establish open space as pedestrian and dog

friendly areas. Reopening of allotments. This would encourage a greater sense of

community involvement. Or perhaps using the allotment area for a wildlife garden.

The equipment for older children is in a very poor state. The hoop and goal are well used but there is only one small combined piece of equipment for both so groups cannot play football and basketball at the same time. I would like to see a new area for older children, in an enclosed dog free space, kept clean and functioning, with pleasant seating. Ideally in three sections, one with equipment like a zip wire, basket swing or similar, one for football practice and one for basketball or netball games. My children are young so we make great use of the area for smaller children which is usually well looked after with issues that are reported quickly fixed. The other big problem is the access alley from Hyde View Road which is badly littered, often with broken glass, and has nettles growing which in the summer often make it impassable. Again this is addressed when reported, but it would be better to have regular checking on this access route and maintenance and cleaning on a regular basis to make it safe for children to enter to play without worries over accidents.

Repair zip wire. More attention to wildlife, bringing up to the standards of other

recreation grounds in Harpenden. Local park for very local people. Not really relevant to the Harpenden

community as a whole. Keep fit circuit. None of these. I have seen the site, but I have never used it because I do not live in

that area. As a concerned person of Harpenden I think the whole town should wanted the families living in that area to have the best possible safe place for their children to go to what ever their age. There should be more for teenagers to do at the site.

If the park was prettier and more inviting more families would use it for family oriented activities. Trees, flowers, games areas, etc would make the park a much more pleasant place to be. It would be great to make use of the WHOLE area including scrub land down by lea valley path. Then you could build wildlife areas, orchards, places for children to hid in. you could also have a picnic area. Seating for people to sit and have a chat with neighbours. Then you could also have more active areas with climbing, swings, ball games, merry go rounds etc.

Definitely some planting required, feels very bleak I do not use it and can not see what I might use it for. The only use I

can see it is for the youngsters. Fix the slide. Better, more modern equipment and make the area accessible in all

seasons.

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The play equipment has not been renewed since 2000 despite requests from local people. There is still only one goalpost. There is no seating or equipment for teenagers’ which is why they sit in the toddlers’ area. The allotment site, which has NOT been included in this survey, should have been as it is an integral part of the area. This should be reopened with allotments (there are plenty of snail friendly plants) and a wildlife area for the snails and the badgers and other wildlife. Unless the council consults on ALL aspects of the area, it is not a full consultation. Residents should be asked what they want for the whole area.

The toddlers play area is excellent and popular, but overall there is drabness and a lack of interest and diversity.

I see little point in spending resident’s money on improvements as the site always seems to get vandalised. I would keep the site tidy and grass cut nothing more.

Open site up and encourage surrounding property to overlook the site. Better maintained. One time I saw it some of the equipment was broken which is a pity

and it gives a bad impression. Doesn't just have to be wildflowers which may only flower for a short

period. More landscaping generally would improve. The allotment already offers a wildlife habitat. Why would you spend more money creating one next to it?

Random rather than formal wildflower planting Upgrade of small children’s play area The adjoining former allotment site is already a wildlife site and should

be incorporated into any plan for the area I like it - wildlife habitat can be improved Some more interesting play appliances It is difficult to improve something that is fine as it is No access from Willoughby Road. We would like to see PCSO on a

regular basis, in particular late at night when it is dark in the summer months.

Entrance from Hyde View Road badly maintained, cut the grass short all over the field

Improvement of kids play area Include gym style equipment and skating ramp. Needs clearing around

the edges of the park It would be lovely to see more plants and wildlife habitats. I would use

it more. I'd want nothing artificial Improve area for older children The fence between the garages is ugly and sharp; the graffiti wall is

aggressive and not pleasant to look at. This item should be in allotment section These should be in the allotment area Little improvement needed. But access to the Lee Valley Walk via the

west side of the previous (& hopefully future) allotment space would be useful

Litter picking and grass mowing and a couple more seats Children between 9 upward need more play equipment Bring it up to date

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CCTV would be marvellous and ban dogs off leads The access from Willoughby Road poses a difficulty for some members

of the community and visitors. Entrance to field via Hyde View Road needs to be maintained regularly,

nettles build up quickly and litter. Better ratio of playground versus open space - currently the open

space feels redundant and grass always too clumpy and long for football

Get rid of brambles and plant with shrubs as in other parks

What improvements could be made to the recreation ground facilities?


Percent Response

Count

Lighting 26.7% 43 Seating 73.3% 118 Community events 32.3% 52 Sport facilities 31.7% 51 Community gardens 28.6% 46 Notice boards 22.4% 36 Litter bins 54.0% 87 Children’s play equipment 67.7% 109 Larger multi use games area (MUGA) 31.1% 50 Dog walking area 16.1% 26 Sensory garden 28.6% 46 Teenage facilities 41.0% 66 Paths 28.0% 45 Quiet zone 15.5% 25 Please add any other comments and suggestions 45


0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Lig

htin

g

Seatin

g

Com

munity

events

Sport

facilitie

s

Com

munity

gard

ens

Notic

e

board

s

Litt

er

bin

s

Child

ren’s

pla

y

equip

ment

Larg

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multi

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am

es

are

a

Dog w

alk

ing

are

a

Sensory

gard

en

Teenage

facilitie

s

Path

s

Quie

t zone

Ple

ase a

dd

any o

ther

com

ments

It would be a great location for community events - it is one of

Harpenden's larger open spaces and also one of few such areas in north-east Harpenden. Additional seating would be ideal, likewise improved safety flooring in the play area.

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We need a better small children's play area as all the equipment is old and damaged. Also we need some more challenging junior play equipment and the older children's play area is broken all needs redoing.

Cafe with toilets Teenagers loved the pagoda style circular hut that was next to the

skate board area in Rothamsted Park and one could be put in here. Not a skate board park though.

Better teenage facilities. More seating areas outside of the play space. More dog mess bins. Large climbing frame. Annual event e.g. jazz band Please do not develop the allotment area. Please once and for all look

elsewhere. The local area has been developed enough! More info locally about it Very important not to have any traffic near. Also need to consider, the

area (Old allotments) backing up to the Recreation Field. It’s no good if the planning for all is not incorporated. Would be a lovely communal garden project for all is a run down area, fenced in.

I have not been here for many years but last time there was graffiti and it felt scruffy. As it is quiet you also feel vulnerable.

See answer to Q6 Please take account of the views of local people and do not develop

the adjacent allotment site. I am very concerned about how dense the housing is in this area. We have very little green space and so it is really important that the Westfield site is not over developed. I am really disappointed that the council is trying to squeeze more housing in this part of the town. What about creating affordable housing in some other parts of town? Children need space to run around and wildlife in this area should be protected.

A transparent shelter for the teenagers would be nice Do not waste more money of MUGA. They are not used sufficiently in

the parks they are in already. Need facilities that are interesting for all. Leave it alone - don't waste money. Provide an area for dog training and agility Replace broken equipment sooner. The handle on the zip ire has been

broken since I moved here 5 years ago. I asked the council to repair and was told that there is no point as it keeps getting vandalised. The older children's play area is pitiful. The only decent bit of equipment would be the zip wire if it worked.

Cornered off dogs area so people with small children don’t avoid park because of dog walkers and dog walkers don’t feel they need to leash dogs in case of small children and excitable dogs

All my grandchildren want to play on the zip wire. Areas for planting for local residents, so that the community can feel

more ownership of the area. Surrounding allotment returned to use and offered to local residents

More timber play equipment Older children, smoking, swearing and sitting on play equipment

designed for young kids, tend not to use late afternoon because of this. Equipment for older children is odd, no idea what it's intended for, zip

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wire always broken. Play equipment needs updating. Nice open space, used by lots of kids, just needs some improvement

It would be a lovely place for the local schools to take younger children to see the wild life you attract to a well maintained wild area.

The actual play area is really shoddy. It’s only good for the very small children. From the age of 7 up there is very little to do there. A park like the one up in Batford would nicer. The nicer the park and equipment the more families will go, then there will be less loitering. If it had night time lighting perhaps people would be encouraged to use it more in the winter?

Comfortable seating in children’s play area particularly The most important missing element is that of access. There should

be a link to the Lea Valley Walk perhaps next to the remaining allotments. To those who are disabled the Willoughby Road entrance is too challenging; the Hyde View entrance is muddy and a challenge for pushchair users.

The users and neighbours preferences should be considered - within reason,

Could we use for football pitches for Harpenden Colts? They are desperately short of facilities for their ever-growing membership following the lack of success with the New Farm proposal. Would just be used for a brief time on Saturday and/or Sunday mornings and could be used by everyone else for the remainder of the week. Would also generate a little revenue for the Council!

Trees and other planting could improve it but it needs to be tended and looked after. Perhaps a local warden? Teenage facilities - what does that mean - an area to smoke pot?

Toilets, wheelchair friendly apparatus, adult keep fit equipment. The allotment could be used as a community/wildlife garden

football net/repair zip wire A second goal post. A full basketball area/5 a side area Community garden to link wildlife’s to recreation ground. Exercise

equipment free running, BMX and Skate half pipe ramps etc Grass is not kept short enough to walk across comfortable MUGA would ruin the area, reduce seating/leaning post in the youth

area will reduce amount of loitering youths yet not affect the youths using the facility

Much more peace and quiet, leave as much green/trees as possible, stop kids climbing in them

Maintenance of equipment to be improved. Posts for football and seats too. Get the other teenage equipment

working properly Overdeveloping the sites e.g. events/sports would spoil it. Really amazing wooden play area which is now common in many parks

for children, surely there is enough money in the pot for this luxury. Many more families would use this area if it were more appealing

With such big housing estate give us an area to be proud of, needs more in it and brought up to date and with regular patrols and monitored. You did Porters Hill area. Keep it clean, put something in for everyone don't build on it let the community enjoy it please

23

Separate dog walking area is a must. We used Westfield Playground daily but lack of equipment especially the loss of the wire swings. Porters Hill - That’s our regular haunt now, would be great to have a smaller park in Westfield.

Larger football/basket ball area If the recreation ground was improved how likely is it that it will increase your use of the park?


Percent Response

Count

Very likely 45.2% 75 More likely 32.5% 54 Neither likely or unlikely 13.3% 22 Less likely 0.6% 1 Very unlikely 8.4% 14


Would you be interested in being part of a working group to develop the recreation ground?


Percent Response

Count

Yes 18.8% 31 No 81.2% 134 Please provide your e mail address 30


SECTION 3 - About You

What is your Gender?


Percent Response

Count

Male 42.4% 73 Female 57.6% 99


24

Gender

42.40%

57.60%

Male

Female

What is your age?


Percent Response

Count

0 to 10 0.0% 0 11 to 17 0.6% 1 18 to 24 1.1% 2 25 to 34 6.8% 12 35 to 44 34.5% 61 45 to 54 23.7% 42 55 to 64 13.6% 24 65 to 74 10.2% 18 75 or older 9.6% 17


What is your age?

7%

33%

24%

14%

10%

10%

1%0% 1%

0 to 10

11 to 17

18 to 24

25 to 34

35 to 44

45 to 54

55 to 64

65 to 74

75 or older

25

What is your Post code?


Percent Response

Count

AL5 1 5.6% 10 AL5 2 3.4% 6 AL5 3 6.1% 11 AL5 4 51.4% 92 AL5 5 33.0% 59 Other (please specify) 1


What is your post code?

AL5 1

AL5 2

AL5 3

AL5 4

AL5 5

26

APPENDIX 2 SITE BASED CONSULTATION DETAILED RESPONSES When analysing the 229 responses across all themes in more detail, the four most popular requests overall were for benches, more dog bins, covered seating and lighting.

Top Areas Across All Categories

0%

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

6%

7%

8%

9%

Be

nch

es

Mo

re d

og

po

o

bin

s

Co

ve

red

se

atin

g [

for

Lig

hts

Fix

zip

wir

e

Lo

w le

ve

l

ligh

tin

g

Mo

re b

ins

En

tra

nce

s

be

tte

r

Wild

life

pla

ntin

g

Big

ge

r fo

otb

all

mu

ga

Co

mm

un

ity

are

a/a

ctivitie

s

Go

al p

osts

Imp

rove

d

[pu

sh

ch

air

]

64 responses were given in the most popular active category, the majority of replies related to having the zip wire fixed (7%) and goal posts and a bigger multi-use game area (MUGA) (4% each).

27

An Area to be Active

(top 10 replies)

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%F

ix z

ip w

ire

Big

ge

r fo

otb

all

mu

ga

Go

al p

osts

Ou

tdo

or

gym

Ska

te p

ark

To

dd

ler

are

a

(sco

pe

fo

r

va

ria

tio

n o

fW

oo

de

n

[na

tura

l]

clim

bin

g

Exe

rcis

e/fitn

ess

tra

il

Ha

rd tra

ck

aro

un

d

pe

rim

ete

rIm

pro

ve

d

fitn

ess

eq

uip

me

nt fo

Mo

re p

lay

eq

uip

me

nt to

sp

an

th

e a

ge

s

When responding regarding having a clean area 44% asked for more dog bins and 27% general bins.

A Clean and Well Maintained Area

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%

Mo

re d

og

po

o

bin

s

Mo

re b

ins

Cu

rre

nt

sta

nd

ard

of

cle

an

ing

go

od

ob

vio

usly

/10

0%

[cle

an

an

d w

ell

ma

inta

ine

d]

Do

g m

ess a

ll

ove

r th

e p

lace

Imp

rove

litte

r

co

lle

ctio

n

Mo

re d

og

po

o

sig

na

ge

Tid

y p

ath

s

Of the 9 opinions expressed regarding whether the park should be an interesting area, no two ideas were the same and they ranged from having a sundial or a sculpture park to having a vending machine. 2 of these respondents said they did not want an interesting area (1 of these because they felt it would be vandalised).

28

An Interesting Place

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

[Inte

restin

g]

good b

ut it

will b

e

No

[inte

restin

g

pla

ce]

Pla

ce to c

hill

Sculp

ture

/art

work

Spla

sh p

ool

Sundia

l

Varied

gro

und

mate

rials

Vendin

g

machin

es

Weath

er

sta

tion

When asked for their ideas regarding a place to be involved with 31% of 13 people said they would like a community area and activities and 15% suggested Play in the Parks take place here.

An Area to be Involved in

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Com

munity

are

a/a

ctiv

ities

Pla

y in

the

park

s

Com

munity

centr

e for

scouts

and

Could

be u

sed

in w

rong

manner

once

Involv

e

schools

in

upkeep a

nd

Not

necessary

[pla

ce to b

e

Sensory

music

outd

oor

instr

um

ents

Separa

te a

rea

for

sm

all

child

ren a

nd

Youth

centr

e

27% of respondents in the safe and secure category would like to have lighting with an additional further 19% wanting low level lighting. However 8% said they did not want lighting at all and in particular did not want floodlighting.

29

A Safe and Secure Place

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Lig

hts

Low

level

lightin

g

Dog r

un/d

og

park

ing a

way

No

[flo

od]li

ghtin

gR

em

ove

thorn

/holly

Secure

for

child

ren

cctv

Good id

ea

but m

ust be

Kid

s s

moke in

long g

rass

More

sig

ns

on s

afe

ty

New

path

s

No e

xpansio

n

with

out a

Not

concern

ed

Park

ing c

ould

cause a

Safe

ty for

bik

es/b

ike

Safe

ty in

toddle

r pla

y

There was interest in having wildlife planting within the sustainable park area with a total of 44% of ideas relating to this. These broke down into wildlife planting generally (22%), wildlife planting around the edges (13%) and a wildlife area in the former allotment area (9%).

A Sustainable Park

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Wild

life p

lantin

g

Wild

life a

rea

aro

und e

dge o

f

More

matu

re

trees

Not re

ally

[susta

inable

]

Sensory

pla

ntin

g

Wild

life/n

atu

re in

form

er

[susta

inable

]

good id

ea b

ut

Keep b

lackberr

y

bushes

Meadow

are

a

Natu

re a

rea

Reta

in a

llotm

ents

Rose g

ard

en

Woodla

nd/n

atu

re

are

a

32% of replies indicated that they thought benches would make the area more welcoming with a further 18% suggesting a covered area for teenagers to sit in. There were comments that the entrances should be better maintained (9%) and improved access for pushchairs (7%).

30

A Welcoming Place

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Benches

Covere

d

seating [

for

Entr

ances

bett

er

Impro

ved

[pushchair]

Keep t

he

edges

Pic

nic

are

a

Sig

nage

Gard

en t

o

sit in

[welc

om

ing

pla

ce]

no

Att

ractive

pla

nting

Bett

er

path

way

Café

/toile

ts

Import

ant

to b

e u

ser

Lack o

f

park

ing

Lik

e

Port

ers

Hill

No n

ew

road a

s it

Path

aro

und t

he

Suggestion provided by local resident at on site consultation

31

Consolidated results of on site consultation

welcoming place

to be active place to be involved in


clean and well maintained

park

sustainable park

interesting place

This is important to be user friendly More benches/picnic areas Pushchair access Signage so we know its here Covered area/seating /shelter from sun/rain Large perspex (bus stop) area for teens Attractive planting More seating (benches/ picnic

Toddler area (scope for variation of equipment) Great area for kids to play Update/mend active areas More play equipment to span the ages Skate park in the disused car park area Outdoor gym Hard track around perimeter (bikes, running etc)

Play in the parks introduced here and other community activities Community area/ activities Sensory music outdoor instruments Hold local events in park Get schools involved in upkeep and gardening Not necessary! Youth centre

Safe area for kids to play More lighting especially in the winter Dog run area away from children Lighting in evenings No lights needed Subtle non-intrusive lighting Keep dark so can see stars Lights

Current standard of cleaning good More bins for dog mess Dog waste Bins for dog mess More dog bins and anti-fouling signs More dog bins More bins where the play areas are More dog bins and notices More bins

Wildlife area encouraged around the edge of park Sensory planting / wildlife mini-meadows Not really What about the old allotment site a nature park Keep blackberry bushes, planting for wildlife. Some wild areas to break up grass area. Sewing with wild flower meadow areas. Seating. Plant more

Varied ground materials (not infringing on grass for kids) No Place to chill Splash pool Vending machines Good but it will get vandalised Weather station Sundial Sculptures/artwork

32

welcoming place




park

sustainable park

interesting place

tables) Gardens Covered seating area More benches Seats on play area for parents/carers Teenage seating and covered area Seating would be good. There is nowhere to sit. Sheltered area Benches Covered seating shelter More seating Picnic area Garden just to sit and enjoy

Improved fitness equipment to keep teens busy Wooden climbing equipment Absolutely! Harpenden has so many kids and needs more active spaces Goal posts Exercise / fitness trail Multi game play area Its good to have fitness equipment for teenagers Outside gym Fix zip wire Inside football area Bigger football area Mushroom type seats to be lowered.

Events (local) Community centre for scouts and brownies Separate areas for small children and teenagers Not good could be used in the wrong manner once interest has gone Activities like story time in the park

Thorn bushes to be removed Yes, secure for children Subtle lighting around path areas would be good New paths Kids – long grass and smoke More lighting No floodlighting Pathways with low level lights More safety for bikes/bike shelter More signs on safety Lighting Better pathway Good idea but must

Quite clean at the moment Dog mess all over the place More bins Obviously More bins Tidy paths More dog bins and grass around the edges better kept – very overgrown and not attracting any (wildlife other than slugs!) Dog bins Rubbish bins Clean all edges More bins/recycling 100% of the time

trees. Rose garden Wildflowers Wildlife and allotments etc in former allotments Clean the edges and possibly put more flowers Retain allotments Wildlife area Nature area Good idea but kept well maintained Meadow area Sensory garden Plant wildlife seeds in edging Wildflower area

33

welcoming place




park

sustainable park

interesting place

Like Porters Hill Picnic area Would love to have some benches and some wildlife planting with a path through A nice seating area for adults with pretty flowers More seating outside play area Picnic area Better seating area for teenagers – covered seating Seating No good Some aluminium seating Entrances to be better maintained

Replace zip wire Play equipment More play equipment for little ones Zip wire Natural climbing structures Swings that go higher Gym area Netball court Bigger climbing frame Taller monkey bars Ping Pong table Rotating seesaw similar to Stanborough Lakes ¼ pipe skate ramp More modern kiddies play area

be used in the proper manner Low level lighting for key “routes” Improve litter picking, busy collection Low level lighting Parking could be a problem No expansion without resident warden Lit at night Lighting paths Better lighting Not concerned Access for buggies and parking in cut through a problem Lighting and CCTV

Dog poo bins at appropriate places More bins / Council checking for litter More bins Bigger bins Litter picked up

Not necessary More mature trees around perimeter (also provide shade) Woodland/nature area

34

welcoming place




park

sustainable park

interesting place

Lack of parking Signage at park – who knows park is here More seating areas Good path to get in Signposted Café/toilets Seating for families and teens No new road as it floods. Better paths for buggies and wheel chairs Seating in shaded area maybe under a tree Seating – hanging out area for teenagers Entrance could be better from Hyde

5 a side multi-surface pitch Fix zip wire Works as it is, maybe one more goal More substantial equipment A full basketball / 5 a side football site Leave football goal/open area Sport areas for kids/teenagers Better football area Supervised at all times Reconsider resiting existing equipment Install net in goals Running track

Low level lighting Lights Safety in toddler play area Remove holly bush Fence area for dog walkers or dog parking area Path around the park for walking dogs Dog play area

35

welcoming place




park

sustainable park

interesting place

View Tidy up entrances Youth shelter Open entrance a bit Entrance – Willougby Road Youth shelter Seating

Rounders pitch 2 goal posts Exercise circuit Giant chess Sandpit Playhouse To stay as it is Large play equipment Natural play structures and more imagination Football posts – Colts training Skate park Bigger football muga New kids area for all ages Replace zip wire

36

welcoming place




park

sustainable park

interesting place

Re-layering [grass near football pitch] Fix zip wire Commando equipment for older kids Variety of play and recreation stuff

37

APPENDIX 3 SCHOOL COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS No of consultees – 23 (12F, 11M) representatives from year groups 1 – 6. School Council members were shown examples of various parks and green spaces and asked to select their favourites: The most popular choice with respondents was the following with 35%:

The second most popular with 31% was:

When asked why this was a particular favourite the responses were:

1. It has swings and stuff to play on. Also I like number 2 because it has a big field and has a football pitch.

2. Because it has a playground and you can play on the swings. I also like 2 because I can play football and go to the playground

3. Because it has a big field behind it. 4. Because it is somewhere you can walk your dog and we don’t have

many places for dogs and dogs like grass. (picture no 1) 5. Because it has fun play equipment and lots of grass around it 6. Its go an open space and neat. It’s also got some play equipment and

seats It’s been cared for. 7. Because there is plain grass, football goal and a playground. 8. Because there is a place to play football. But I also like % because it

has a trampoline. (this picture didn’t include trampoline)

38

9. Because there is a park and space to run around and there are some benches to sit down.

10. Because it’s got different equipment. 11. Because it has a big field to play football and it has football goals. I

also like number 5 because it has play equipment but it should have more equipment and it should be tidier.

12. I like walking with my dog, lots of grass. 13. Because there is a little bridge to play on and there’s a really fun

playground and is quite neat and there’s a large space of grass (picture no 4)

14. Got some room to play around and play with your dog. 15. Lots of space for running around, its look pretty and very neat. 16. I like the sports and space. 17. The apparatus looks fun 18. It looks nice and I like the over and under part. The equipment looks

approving and so do the flowers and it has a big open space. 19. I like the bridge and the apparatus 20. The football ground is near the equipment so you don’t have to walk

over an entire field. 21. I like that the park is pretty and decorated with flowers 22. There is a football goal and also dogs can play. There is a lot to do. 23. There is lots of space and I like the equipment that goes up and under.

Activity 2 A selection of photos of Westfield were then displayed and the consultees were asked the question – What do you think of it. The responses were

1. Horrible – more equipment, zip wire to be repaired, need a clean up corporation, lights so we can see at night cut the grass.

2. It’s good because there is equipment and the zip wire is broken. We need more lights and grass needs cutting Have a …..

3. Good and bad. Zip wire and swings, lots of rubbish nice pathway, cut the grass more.

4. It looks good but I would not like to live there. I want to clean it up more.

5. It is good because there is fun equipment and apparatus. It is bad though because there is lots of rubbish in the over grown grass.

6. Horrible, zip wire is broken – been disrespected. Lights, new bench, coffee shops.

7. It’s ok but not very pretty. But I also think it’s good because ether is a basketball net, zip wire, open grounds, benches and mini play park. I think we would need a clean up corporation, more light for night. Have the grass cut more, and maybe a parking area, flowers and coffee shop (Costa Coffee!)

8. I really like it because I like basketball. It would be better if there were more basketball nets.

9. There are lots of different things for different age groups like a zip wire, park, basketball net and climbing things. So long grass not good for playing football and a car park and a coffee shop.

10. I like it because it has lots to do whatever your tastes are. It should have more tarmac for basketball courts.

39

11. Nice because you can do lots of things. There’s a basketball hoop but there’s only 1 and there’s only 1 goal so you can’t play matches. Also the grass id really long so they should cut it more often. They need to fix the zip wire.

12. It is good because I can go there and it is fun. 13. It’s ok but there aren’t any lights and quite a lot of the stuff is broken.

More flowers. A coffee shop, cut the grass more often. Lea Primary had prepared in advance a series of proposals. The responses given were:

More Swings

Climbing Frame

Slide (big tunnel)

Sandpit

Basketball hoops

See saw

Big kids area

Another goal

Smaller goals

Fix Zip wire

Covered area – canopy

Big swing

Trees for climbing

Roundabout

Maze

Drop slide

Somewhere to buy refreshments

Make it into theme park

Sandpit with dome over

Monkey bars with slide at the end

Café

New Zip wire saddle

Trampoline Train that goes around the park

Goals for football

See saw

Corkscrew slide

Stuff for younger and older people

Goal nets

Get Zip wire fixed

More stuff for older children

Lots of broken parts

Zip wire should be fixed

Having the lines re done on the football pitch

More dog litter bins

More people clearing up after themselves

A slide for older children

Equipment to regularly cleaned,

A new climbing frame for older children

Fix the rock climbing wall

Fix a net on the football post

Cut the brambles back

Paddling Pool.

Activity 3 The children were asked:

How to make the recreation ground a friendly place.

How to make the park a place where we can be active.

How to make the park a safe and secure place. Group discussions with each School Council were facilitated some recorded their ideas on their worksheet and others we recorded the responses that the children gave.

40

With the results from Manland Primary the data recorded suggests that the children in fact wrote down everyone’s ideas as there are a number of responses the same. Not all handwriting could be deciphered and so there are gaps in statements made.

1. Clean up, Signs, CCTV, plants, Chalk floor, bench, outdoor gym, maze, fun park

2. Camera, Signs, caretaker, CCTV, bunting, more plants, each school having their own patch, spread out the stuff, benches, leave some space, big trees for ….., no power, outdoor gym, assault course, pond with fish, fencing, quick maze.

3. Bench in a tree, café in park, Soft landing, put little stalls, a doctor bag next to sports things so mum/dad/uncle can help people if the get hurt in game of football or …………

4. Clean it up, more plants, a festival on the field, a maze, more trees 5. Theme – Sport and exercise 6. Signs, each school has a patch to plant stuff, spread equipment

around, keep some green, pool, first aid kit toilets. 7. CCTV, bunting, plants, fix the zip wire, children play park, adults need

fun too, Benches, Gym, Trees to climb, space it out, pond, fencing, hedges and gates, Gardener, fete, maze.

8. Security Cameras, guards, plants, patches for schools, adults have to have fun, events, more trees.

9. Security Cameras, guards, CCTV, bunting, plants, patches for schools, fix zip wire, adults have to have fun, benches, sport and exercise, trees to climb in, lots of space to run around, pond, bark under play so people don’t hurt themselves, gardener, maze.

10. Security Cameras, guards, CCTV, bunting, plants, patches for schools, fix zip wire, adults have to have fun, benches, exercise equipment, outdoor gym, hedges, events, maze.

11. CCTV, clean things up, put more flowers, each school has a patch to grow flowers, have a pavement to draw things on, sport and exercise theme, have a water fountain, an outdoor gym, everything scattered around.

12. A bench under the tree, a gym, a fence and hedge, a maze. 13. Security cameras, signage, repainting, each school have their own

flowerbed, benches,, places to draw with chalk, exercise place, more climbing trees, pond, maze, fake superstars, stage.

The round table discussion with Lea Primary suggested the following:

1. Need more benches 2. Security camera 3. A park keeper 4. Gates 5. Signage by equipment 6. Entertainment for special occasions e.g. Easter egg hunt. 7. A large covered seating area (pagoda) style 8. Should have a path 9. More bins 10. A skate park as it is too far to go to Rothamsted. 11. Wildflower area in the corner

41

APPENDIX 4 SCHOOLS PICTORIAL RESPONSES The Manland School Councillors reported their meeting with the Community Services Officer to their classes. The children in each class then each submitted an A4 drawing of their ideas for the Westfield Recreation Area. These pictures were analysed and the images which were identifiable were recorded. AGE OF CHILDREN RESPONDING

reception 4-5 27

year 1 & 2

year 3 7-8 30 30

year 4 8-9 25 25

year 5 9-10 32 32

year 6 10-11 26 26

140 113

Age of responders (including reception)

reception 4-5

year 1 &2

year 3 7-8

year 4 8-9

year 5 9-10

year 6 10-11

TOP 20 REQUESTS FROM AGE 7-11

Top 20 School Suggestions

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Footb

all P

itch

Zip W

ire

Wate

r fea

ture

Slides

Swin

gs

Bench

Toile

ts

Picni

c are

a

Net

ball/Bas

ketb

all

Flower

sca

fé

Paths

Clim

bing

fram

e

clim

bing

wall

Trees

todd

ler p

lay

Rou

ndabo

ut

Skate

ram

p

Maz

eG

ym

Mon

key

bars

sand

pit

Splas

h pa

rk

42

Examples of children’s drawings

44

Appendix 5 Other issues recorded during onsite consultations In addition to those comments received during the paper and online consultation exercise which are recorded in Appendix 1 we noted some of the key concerns from residents raised regarding the former allotment site during the site based sessions. The issues noted were that residents wanted to:

Retain allotments at Westfield

The old allotment space at the end – a community orchard so that children learn about foods to grow and eat. No ownership of produce – free to locals to grow and eat. Planting fruit trees – a pond for frogs and wildlife – local schools could be involved, plants and trees to be labelled encouraging environmental awareness. Preserving badger and fox dens – developing wildlife watching – bird hides. Bee keeping. This area is an important green space for existing locals and the new homes being built in the area.

Wildlife and allotments etc in “former allotments”.

There to be no changes at all made. 100% against any change

The equipment sited close to Willoughby Road moved away from the properties that are within close proximity.

Not to have Willoughby Road used as an access point for vehicles due to its dangerous state. It requires some form of blocking off.

Westfield Recreation Ground - Harpenden...3 Background Westfield Recreation Ground is located in...

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