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OUTDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACES

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABILITY SCRUTINY AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT BOARD DP4418 Scrutiny Report Inners V4 5/12/06 16:04 Page 1

CONTENTS

FOREWORD 3

INTRODUCTION 4

BACKGROUND 4

SCRUTINY EXERCISE - TERMS OF REFERENCE 4

MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORKING GROUP 4

MEETINGS OF THE WORKING GROUP 5

EVIDENCE GATHERING 6

CONCLUSIONS 22

RECOMMENDATIONS & MANAGEMENT RESPONSE 23

APPENDICES 38

1. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE 39

2. CONDITION SURVEY 39

3. PRICING INFORMATION 40

4. SURVEY RESULTS 52 REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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Chair’s Foreword

The following report is the result of issues raised by members of the general public who expressed concerns over the condition and management of sporting facilities within our parks.

It was clear that while our user groups welcomed the increased investment in many of our parks and recognised the improving conditions, they nevertheless felt that the sporting provision within many of our parks and open spaces could be improved and managed differently. A particular concern raised by our elderly users was the bowling greens.

We offer the findings of our scrutiny exercise to the Cabinet for approval.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank members, officers and the user groups who have worked hard and contributed positively to our work and particularly, Jason Dietsch, for pulling it all together in such a coherent form.

Peter Price, Chair. REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP • Consider alternative sources of provision and non-traditional 1. INTRODUCTION provision as a means of offering some potential to help solve both 1.1 The purpose of this report is to problems of quality and quantity. detail the outcome of the scrutiny exercise undertaken by the Working • Following the Working Group’s Group examining sporting facilities examination of these issues, to in Parks, which was established by report and draw up a series of the former Development, recommendations to be Environment and Leisure Scrutiny considered by the Scrutiny Board Board at its meeting held on 16th concerning how improvements to December, 2004, together with the sporting facilities in Parks might Working Group’s recommendations. be implemented.

2. BACKGROUND TO THE 3. SCRUTINY EXERCISE - TERMS SCRUTINY EXERCISE OF REFERENCE

2.1 At its meeting on 21st October 2004, 3.1 The following terms of reference the former Development, were agreed by the Scrutiny Board, Environment and Leisure Scrutiny at its meeting on 16th December Board considered the condition of 2004: the City’s parks sports pitches and agreed to: 1 To examine the potential for self - management by clubs on • Establish a Member Working selected sites. Group to work with officers to 2 Consider the balance of spend examine the potential for between formal sports and non- extending the self-management sporting activities. REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP by clubs on selected sites. 3 Examine the potential rationalisation of facilities to • Consider the opportunities for reflect changing demands and extending community use of alternative, possible non- schools. traditional sources of provision.

• Examine the balance of spending 4. MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORKING between formal sports and non- GROUP sporting activities. 4.1 It was agreed by the Development • Look at the potential Environment and Leisure Scrutiny rationalisation of facilities to Board, that the Working Group reflect changing demand. comprise the following Members:

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Councillors Trevor Bagshaw, David and of Sheffield and District Parks Bowls Barker, Janet Bragg, Martin Brelsford, Association and President of Millhouses Jean Cromar, Jackie Drayton, Sylvia Park Bowling Club Dunkley, Arthur Dunworth, Alan Law, Mike Various members of bowls clubs in the Peat (Joint Chair), Peter Price (Joint City and Parks Woodlands and Chair), Ian Saunders, Anne Smith and Countryside staff spoken to on site visits. Garry Weatherall. 5. MEETINGS OF THE WORKING Meetings were also open to all Members GROUP of the Scrutiny Board to attend, and Members did use the opportunity to Meetings of the Working Group were held participate on a casual basis to monitor on 7 occasions and reports and evidence the progress and work of the Group. In submitted by officers from Parks, addition, with the establishment of the Woodlands and Countryside, Activity Culture, Economy and Sustainability Sheffield and Development Services were Scrutiny and Policy Development Board examined. in May 2005, Members of the Board also attended on an ad hoc basis. Contributions to a meeting of the Working Group were made from a representative Meetings of the Working Group were also of one of the City’s bowling clubs, Mr attended and supported by the following Derek Ellis, Chair of the Hillsborough Council Officers: Park Bowling Club in relation to the Martin Page (Parks, Woodlands and management and operation of clubs and Countryside) the general condition of bowling greens in David Hargate (Parks, Woodlands and Sheffield. Countryside) Ian Blakemore (Activity Sheffield) A piece of work, carried out by Strategic Sarah Smith (Development Services) Leisure, already commissioned by the

Jason Dietsch (Scrutiny Policy Officer, Council’s Development Services was also ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP Legal and Governance) presented to Members, which was taken John Challenger (Committee Secretariat, into account in their deliberations. Legal and Governance) In addition, a tour of the City’s parks took External attendees participating in the place on 7th June, during which Members exercise were: visited the locations (detailed below) and benefited from speaking to users of Adam Clarke, Strategic Leisure bowling greens and staff located in parks: Derek Ellis, Chair of the Hillsborough Park Bowling Club Parks visited: Robert Jackson, President of the British Graves Park Parks Crown Green Bowling Association Abbeyfield Park

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Parson Cross Park The need to inform the provision of Colley Park sports facilities by a number of Longley Park initiatives and influences such as the Concord Park work of Activity Sheffield, the Steel City outdoor playing pitch assessment and strategy for Sheffield and 6. EVIDENCE GATHERING strategies relating to site categorisation and reinvestment and 6.1 Scene Setting - the current including the recently produced condition of sport provision in the action plans for parks for each of the City’s Parks 12 Area Panel areas was highlighted. As a precursor to the scrutiny exercise, members of the Other activities such as walking, Development, Environment and cycling and other individual exercise Leisure Scrutiny Board considered a regimes which might not require report by the Head of Parks, specific facilities but which were Woodlands and Countryside which promoted nationally and locally as provided an overview of services part of an informed healthy lifestyle and detailed expenditure on sports choice should also be considered in facilities. Also outlined were the development of provision for charges for sports and activities in physical activities in the City’s parks. parks. Discussions had been held between The quality and range of sports officers in Parks, Woodlands and pitches and associated buildings Countryside and Activity Sheffield on varied and continues to suffer from a the extension of self-management lack of infrastructure investment by clubs on selected sites,

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP which has resulted in an investment opportunities for extending backlog with regard to community use of schools, how improvements such as drainage, expenditure might be balanced changing accommodation and between formal sport and non- fencing. sporting facilities and finally, how facilities might be rationalised to The maintenance of sports facilities reflect both the changing demand is carried out by the Parks, for activities, alternative sources of Woodlands and Countryside provision and to combat problems of gardening staff, together with Street both quality and quantity of Force and some sports clubs carried provision. out maintenance directly with grant assistance from Parks, Woodlands and Countryside.

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Robert Jackson, president of the The growth of urban sports such as British Parks Crown Green Bowling skateboarding and BMX had a Association and of Sheffield and strong base and provided positive District Parks Bowls Association and lifestyle and cultural influences President of Millhouses Park amongst young people, however the Bowling Club, attended the Board development of facilities for such meeting, at which he outlined the activity would require further merits of Crown Green Bowling as a significant work as well as sport in which a variety of age investment and funding for groups participated, particularly maintenance if levels of demand providing gentle exercise for middle were to be addressed. aged and older people. Sports charges were reviewed each He perceived the City’s bowling year and in most circumstances greens to be in a poor state which were increased in line with inflation. had resulted in some high level bowlers leaving the City to Consultation on sports provision participate in bowling outside of occurred through contact with the Sheffield, where bowling greens Football Association through Activity were considered to be of a higher Sheffield, meetings with Sheffield standard. Also highlighted was the and District Parks Bowling need for bowling greens to be Association, the Cricket League and protected by security measures such with sports club and friends group as strong perimeter fencing. representatives.

Mr Jackson expressed the view that Consultation also occurred with Area the degeneration of bowling greens Panels in relation to the allocation of resulting from a combination of poor Section 106 funding and discussions

cutting and drainage and lack of with Area Co-ordinators also took ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP watering should be brought to the place. Board’s attention. Concern was also expressed at the shortage of There were several areas, skills in greenkeeping. concerning which officers from Parks, Woodlands and Countryside The Board were informed that the and Activity Sheffield might allowing of self-maintenance of undertake further joint work, bowling greens by a number of self including the potential of extending managed bowling clubs such as self management to clubs, extension Millhouses Park, Whiteley Woods of community use of schools and the and Meersbrook had resulted in balance of spend and rationalisation improvements to the quality of of facilities and in offering support bowling greens. for individual sports such as cricket.

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Expenditure and income for outdoor maintenance of fine turf sports such sports could be broken down for as bowling greens and cricket each of the sports and are detailed squares. A mixed economy at Appendix 1. approach had been applied using both Parks, Woodlands and Expenditure on sports consisted of Countryside staff and those of Street maintenance of facilities, staff costs Force; self maintenance of some including administration and officer bowling and cricket facilities; and the time, running costs for buildings and leasing of some facilities. expenditure on measures to deter vandalism and on wear and tear. Training has been implemented for The current level of expenditure was gardeners who had undertaken considered to be insufficient to meet refresher courses by the Institute of the standards to which both the Groundsmanship on fine turf service and many users of the maintenance and renovation. The service aspired. bowling greens had been independently assessed by a turf Support was provided by Parks, expert and fertiliser manufacturers Woodlands and Countryside to had developed a fertiliser some self maintained sports clubs programme for each green. All through grant aid. Other grant aid greens were hollow tyned in Autumn was also available from sources 2004 using professional contractors such as Awards for All, the Football with specialist equipment. Foundation, the Foundation for Schools and the Arts, Sport Extreme weather conditions, England, the Lottery Fund and especially dry summers and mild Sports Match. Council officers winters resulted in poor growing within Parks, Woodlands and conditions and increased turf fungal

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP Countryside and Activity Sheffield diseases. The self management of advised and supported clubs in greens by clubs had resulted in a obtaining funding as did the lack of summer watering by bowlers Council’s Lottery Officer. and this also resulted in poor grass growth and the compaction of surfaces. Automatic irrigation is 6.2 Maintenance and improving the required to overcome this problem condition of specialist sports although unfortunately, funding had surfaces not been available and the service was reliant upon the more A number of initiatives have been successful clubs to provide such taken by Parks, Woodlands and improvement. Countryside to improve the

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Three clubs were self maintained by by clubs might often exceed the private contractors managed by the value of the grant given, where clubs with grant aid provided by the those clubs were self maintained, by Council. The Authority had been a significant margin. approached by the Bowling Association to extend self 6.3 Measures to minimise incidence maintenance although only one and effects of vandalism other club had requested self maintenance and this was under The ability to provide and maintain review as part of the budget facilities in some areas of the City is planning process. becoming increasingly difficult and costly because of vandalism and Representatives of the Bowls anti-social behaviour. Fine turf Advisory Group were met by Parks, sports such as bowling and cricket Woodlands and Countryside officers are particularly prone to physical and dialogue was undertaken with damage and vandalism. Some anti- individual clubs to improve social activities such as the playing maintenance and facilities. of football on bowling greens and Meetings had taken place with cricket surfaces, the riding of Cricket League representatives to motorbikes, golfing, damage by improve maintenance of cricket stolen cars, the firing of wheeled squares. Meetings at club level with bins etc. are all both destructive and cricket teams are especially costly to repair. problematic as teams were not often based in parks. Anti-social behaviour might on occasion be directed at the Information on the provision of infrastructure and at players who facilities at bowls clubs and their might have to suffer aggressive and

condition is indicated at Appendix threatening behaviour such as ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP 2, which rates the condition of disruption of play, the stealing of facilities between very good and bowls woods, dog walking and bike poor. The cost of upgrading riding on bowling greens whilst facilities such as toilets and games where in progress. Young pavilions had significant implications people also often admitted to for the Council’s budget and might playing on bowling greens because not always be justifiable based on they were free of dog fouling, well bowling club membership alone. drained and sometimes lit by street lights which enabled their use when Maintenance costs varied and were the rest of the park was empty. dependent upon usage, vandalism and the condition of the green etc. In response, an increasing number Expenditure on green maintenance of bowling clubs have requested

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fencing off greens. In most as well as other users and might instances this work had been funded provide a visible deterrent to anti- from contributions by self managed social behaviour as well as practical clubs and with the assistance from duties such as collecting entrance other sources such as grants. In fees and carrying out maintenance some cases (Norfolk Heritage Park and gardening duties. and Firth Park) closed circuit Unfortunately, staff have also been television had been installed as a subjected to anti-social activities and deterrent and as a means of had to be removed, if their safety recording activities. In cases where was perceived to be at risk. Anti-Social Behaviour Orders had been placed in adjacent locations, Cricket squares were once regularly young people affected by that order fenced during the winter months and had moved to an adjoining location marked in the summer with and subsequently congregated in boundary rope and metal pins to parks which had served to increase prevent misuse of the squares. incidents of anti-social behaviour in This practice had not been possible that area and potentially might for a number of years because increase incidents of vandalism. fencing posts and metal pins were used by some people to damage the Some bowling clubs were reluctant cricket squares or break into cricket to take up the option of pavilions and other facilities. management because of anti-social behaviour problems and the fear of The requirement to provide a true crime. In addition, the opportunity to playing surface is important for a contribute to perimeter fencing work predictable ball bounce and the was not available to such clubs as safety of a batsman in cricket. they did not have the means of Providing a true surface was much

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP generating income that self more difficult if cricket squares were managed clubs did. The cost of used for other activities such as providing fences as at 2005 is football. Cricket did not have the approximately £10,000 per green. same strong parks club base as The acquisition of funding for such crown green bowling for example work was largely opportunistic as and there were only a small number Parks, Woodlands and Countryside of examples of self management had not been able to secure funding and self maintenance of park - from the Council’s capital based cricket facilities. programme. The Parks, Woodlands and Seasonal ticket attendants were Countryside Service is working hard employed in some locations which to regenerate parks and was in provided services to bowling clubs regular contact with clubs to improve

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facilities and encourage and regarding the 2004 season is increase usage by members of the detailed at Appendix 2. public. It was considered that the measure of a successful club was 10 bowls clubs had less than 50 often directly linked to the success members, 12 having between 50 of the entire park and to the and 100 members and only three adjacent area. having more than 100 members. It had not been possible to indicate Following consultation with various how many competitive games had clubs in the City using parks been played by bowlers as this facilities, vandalism was found to be depended on the number of club of particular concern, ranging from teams competitions entered and petty vandalism such as littering to numbers of players per team. There more extreme cases such as stone was a significant variation between throwing and abuse. This was at the numbers of club members and times felt a severe barrier to the level of public use of the greens. encouraging new people to Casual public use of bowling greens participate in sport and many clubs was disappointingly low at the had been forced to raise funds for majority of sites. Public attendances fencing and security improvements. at Parks, Woodlands and It was considered that, by Countryside staffed greens were encouraging more people to higher than at most other sites participate in sport and providing for which might relate to the duration of those users, the number of users opening times. within a park would increase overall and this might serve to discourage There was a variance between the anti-social activity. However, income from the use of the bowling persistent anti-social behaviour was greens between Parks, Woodlands

likely to be detrimental to the take- and Countryside staff locations and ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP up of sport and the quality of self managed clubs and this was facilities available. linked to club membership and levels of casual play. The cost of 6.4 Participation – Bowling employing staff was significantly more than the actual income taken Officers provided the Working Group except in the case of Graves Park, with information regarding where the sports attendant also took participation rates in bowling additional income from other including the number of club facilities such as pitch and putt. members, public attendances and However, the benefit of employing estimation of the numbers of times on site staff providing a presence on that club bowlers played casual site, outweighed the amount of games in the last year. Information income taken.

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6.5 The changing demands for sport Urban sports or street sports such as and non-sports activity BMX and skateboarding had a strong base within the City and promoted a The opportunity and choice of sport positive lifestyle and cultural and physical activity is much wider influence among young people. than at any time previously and Demand for BMX tracks and skate included physical activities and parks in Sheffield had increased individual exercise regimes, which although it was recognised that these were now being promoted both were costly to both provide and locally and nationally as part of the maintain. Although Parks, informed healthy lifestyle choice. Woodlands and Countryside was This is partially reflected in the responding positively to requests for demand placed upon the Parks, alternative sport, further work would Woodlands and Countryside service be required if these were to be for the provision of alternatives to considered a priority along with more traditional sporting activities. traditional playgrounds and would need to receive appropriate Traditional exercise such as walking, resourcing. jogging and cycling requires little in the way of specific facilities and were Work was already undertaken with ideally suited to parks and other Primary Care Trusts to deliver health areas managed by Parks, clubs as well as with doctor’s Woodlands and Countryside across surgeries to promote healthy the whole city. These were also lifestyles. generally accessible to all. The development of the outdoor gym with The provision of BMX or skateboard wooden exercise stations was parks would need to be pursued relatively inexpensive and provided following consultation with interested

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP additional variety and opportunity. parties, including Area Panels.

Health professionals are beginning to There had been a marked reduction recognise the value of physical in participation in traditional sports exercise as a more appropriate and and the decline in membership of less expensive alternative to the bowling clubs was reflective of this treatment of mental and physical change. illness than the use of prescription drugs. The service’s Health Walk It was recognised, however that Rangers have received the nationally Parks, Woodlands and Countryside accredited Three Hearts Award by should work more closely with the British Heart Foundation for their Activity Sheffield to encourage the health walks programme of activities. use of facilities and green spaces in the City and to more closely tie in

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various health development projects. had taken place and included liaison The promotion of healthy living could with representatives of the Bowls also be undertaken with projects Advisory Group and on behalf of the such as Surestart in Firth Park. self managed bowls clubs who took some income on behalf of the 6.6 Pricing Policy service. Customers were advised that prices were subject to periodic A review of the schedule of prices for (annual) review and given notice in facilities for hire to the general public advance of any price increases. and for other sports facilities including bowling and tennis and the The income from the provision of hire of pavilion rooms took place on most sporting facilities and activities an annual basis with the aim of in parks was relatively low due to insuring that prices remained limited investment in facilities in competitive in line with service comparison to privately managed provision. The principle of any sports facilities. review of pricing was to ensure that prices continued to provide good The pricing strategy aimed to value and were not a barrier to encourage participation from all participation as well as encouraging sections of the community and age take-up of usage and these were groups and discounts of 30% were reviewed by officers in line with available to holders of the Council corporate guidance and would Slice Card. include inflationary increases. Detailed price information is available To encourage participation, the prices at Appendix 3. for juniors in certain sports such as bowling, tennis and golf had been 6.7 Consultation

held for the previous two years whilst ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP other prices had been increased in On behalf of the Working Group, the line with inflation. Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Service carried out a consultation Charges for the hire of changing exercise to establish how teams and pavilions had also been reviewed in clubs used facilities in parks. order that they remained competitive and provided for clubs who might Key findings of the survey were as have difficulty in affording the hire of follows:- changing rooms in commercial premises. • A common theme in responses was how strongly people feel Consultation on the revised prices for about their local sports provision bowling, tennis and pitch and putt

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• One of the main reasons that the service varied from very clubs chose a particular site was dissatisfied to fairly satisfied. location and it would also appear Satisfaction with the condition of that people would prefer to cricket facilities varied according to pursue their sport through a city- location, the facilities on offer and wide distribution of facilities. condition of the wicket and outfields.

• Pavilions, where they were In relation to bowls, 11 out of 29 available, were often felt to be of bowling clubs that were asked for poor quality. information responded. Bowling clubs were, on the whole, fairly • Overall, the booking system was satisfied with the service and the felt to be working well and 86% of condition of greens and bowling respondents were satisfied with pavilions. Most clubs were fairly the system and of those 57% satisfied with the booking system. were very satisfied. 25% of the 234 surveys sent out to • Whilst there was recognition that various sporting clubs in the City facilities were not perfect there were returned. was a general feeling of contentment in relation to the The information provided by clubs service provided by Parks, through the survey should be shared Woodlands and Countryside, with with officers within the Council’s 75% of respondents feeling at Directorate of Development, least fairly satisfied with the Environment and Leisure, (Premises service provided. and Assets) concerning the condition of various pavilions and A total of 41 football clubs out of 185 changing rooms. Whilst the need to

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP who were asked for information improve infrastructure had been responded. Generally, clubs were emphasised within the survey, it was fairly satisfied with the service and recognised by users that this was condition of pitches and most linked to the availability of facilities were used because of their resources. location. The detailed results of the survey In relation to cricket, seven out of are contained within Appendix 4. the 20 that were asked for information responded. Responses 6.8 Tour of the City’s Parks from clubs varied significantly and appeared to reflect difficulties Members of the Working Group experienced by clubs at individual undertook a fact finding tour of locations. Overall satisfaction with various parks in Sheffield with the

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combined aims of examining the The landscape of the park was largely condition of sports pitches and ridge and furrow and should any facilities in parks, including ancillary attempt be made to flatten parts of the facilities such as pavilions and surface, for football pitches, for changing rooms; speaking to example, then the nature of the development workers and staff in landscape would be changed and its parks to ascertain their views; historic landscape value lost. There gaining the opinions of users of parks were also trees on the outlying areas including members of organised of the park, which although they clubs; and considering possible interrupted suitability for playing solutions leading to the improvement pitches, formed part of the historic of facilities. landscape of Graves Park.

Parks visited were Graves Park, There were a range of competing Abbeyfield Park, Colley Park, users for facilities and space in the Longley Park, Concord Park, Steel park and members visiting the park City and Parson Cross. noted that junior football was a particularly popular activity. Graves Park The Norton and Woodseats Cricket The pavilion at Graves Park had Club had requested a more level recently been refurbished with newly outfield, however, the landscape at equipped changing areas and new Graves Park was not naturally flat heating installed with improved access and drainage was problematic. The to wheelchair users. A continuing club had also attempted to raise problem at the pavilion and more funds for improvements to the commonly around the park was pavilion. An offer had been made vandalism and especially graffiti. that the club use Greenhill Park so

that they can play in a higher league. Abbeyfield Park ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP However the club resolved to stay at The bowling green at the park had Graves Park. A particular issue been rebuilt, including new turf and identified was that the club found it security fencing from the New Deal for difficult to recruit sufficient numbers Communities funding at a cost of of junior members. There was also a approximately £40,000, which included general issue of gangs of youths the infrastructure for automated congregating around the park. irrigation. The building in the park was currently used by Surestart and Green Similarly, the bowling green was not City Action and there was interest from irrigated. Further, there had been English Heritage in its status and for vandalism to the chain link fence possible refurbishment of outbuildings. around the tennis court, which would There was also a tennis court area be costly to replace. awaiting funding for refurbishment.

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Colley Park the green, the green itself had The park had been included as part of remained unharmed. There was a the liveability scheme and capital multi-use games area at the site and investment had been forthcoming for access for disabled people to the site phase 1 which included an outdoor and to the pavilion. On the day of the gym. However, there had been no visit, the park was being used as a additional resourcing for maintenance neutral ground for a veterans league in terms of revenue and the condition bowls league match. Members noted of the site was beginning to that the area to the front of the park deteriorate. was to be redeveloped from liveability and Section 106 funding to create a The three Friends Groups, Colley car park and other improvements. Park, Longley Parks and Parson Cross Park were working together, Concord Park assisted by a development worker The City Council maintained the from Parks Woodlands and bowling greens at Concord Park. It Countryside. was thought that the club were reluctant to take on greater Improvement to the football pitches in responsibility for maintenance of the the park was funded by the Football greens due to previous incidents of Foundation and pitches were largely vandalism and anti-social behaviour. flat and suitable for the sport. In speaking to club members, the Whereas, bowling and cricket on the desirability of fencing around the park were in decline, partly because bowling greens was expressed, which of the maintenance standard of would prevent damage caused by pitches, as referred to above. vandals. However, conversely, the urban nature of the site made it a The bowling club was self managed welcoming place for visitors and

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP and maintained by the City Council casual bowlers. Members observed using a high security container as its the results of a wheeled bin having pavilion. There was low casual use of been set alight on the bowling green the bowling green which was and heard how there had been enclosed to maintain security. The damage to the gable end of the bowling club had between 50 and 60 pavilion in the previous year. members but a limited number of truly regular participants. An attendant was employed to open the bowling pavilion and to carry out Longley Park gardening duties and maintain a The park had one bowling green and visible presence at the site. another, which was currently out of use. Although there had been some Tennis and basketball courts at the criminal damage to a fence around park were not used and had fallen

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into disrepair and there was damage Health walks originating at the to fencing around the courts. Buchanan Road general practice surgery were facilitated through the There were 12 football pitches in park. The pavilion and changing use at the park, although there was rooms at the park were designed to no water or electricity to the minimise vandalism and there was container type changing rooms. in addition a staff presence at the This might limit participation by pavilion, which provided a some clubs particularly where community base together with a womens’ clubs might use facilities. base for the development worker for the area. The play area was There is also a mini football pitch reportedly well used. However, the which was flat and of all weather bowling green at the park had no type surface. The provision of such associated bowling club and was a pitch served to discourage young poorly used. Increased marketing people from using the bowling and promotion of the bowls facilities greens inappropriately to play and a multi-use games area was football on. thought to be required to increase participation. Steel City The bowling green had been fenced There is also a skate park facility at in providing a secure play Parson Cross which was well used. environment. Arising from the tour of parks Although there was a flat, large several other issues had been playing surface at the park, there identified were no football changing rooms • The marked enthusiasm and and there was no secure boundary willingness to travel by members REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP to the front of the park. Therefore, of the City’s bowling clubs vehicles could be driven onto green areas causing considerable damage • The positive social and physical to pitch surfaces. Use was noted of benefits of bowling to participants the cricket pitch maintained by the of all ages. City Council. • The problem of unauthorised motorbikes and other vehicles Parson Cross gaining access to parks and Pitches at the park had good causing damage to pitches, the drainage following considerable difficulty in recruitment of investment by the Football adequate numbers of high calibre Foundation for the six football staff even on a seasonal basis to pitches. help manage parks facilities.

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• The role of successful sports weekends and evenings and at a clubs and governing bodies in county level, younger people did relation to the promotion and participate. marketing of activities such as bowling together with that of Area Mr Ellis referred to the condition of Panels in potentially raising the bowling greens, stating that, in his profile of certain sports. opinion, Hillsborough Park and Hollins End were improving as was • The training of groundsmen was Longley Park, although the second to the Institute of green was, at present, out of use Groundsmanship standard. and it was hoped that the green However, there was not could be reinstated. However, he necessarily the opportunity for had concerns about the condition of groundsmen to undertake any greens at Ecclesfield, Concord, more tasks than those thought Colley, Firth Park and Thorncliffe. At essential to maintain facilities Hillsborough, the pavilion building because of time and funding was the subject of an application of constraints. funding for improvement.

6.9 Evidence from bowls clubs As had been found previously, the length of grass on greens was a Representatives from several bowls potential source of disagreement clubs in the City had been invited to because bowlers generally wanted give evidence to the Working Group. short grass to increase speed and Mr Derek Ellis, Chair of the distance, whereas the Council often Hillsborough Park Bowling Club, wished to keep grass longer to attended and spoke to Members in improve irrigation. Nevertheless, he relation to the operation of clubs and stated that he would like both

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP the condition of bowling greens in Officers and Councillors to look at the City. the condition of greens from the viewpoint of bowlers as the Mr Ellis believed that bowling should condition they were currently in be promoted to a greater extent in might cause people to play schools, especially as it was a non- elsewhere, or discourage contact game and, as such, was not participation. dependent upon physical size and could accommodate people who He agreed there had been might be reluctant to participate in improvement at Hillsborough, contact sport and young females. following concerted effort by the Although bowls was perceived as an Parks staff and he thought that clubs older person’s sport, at the would be willing to water greens

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themselves in liaison with Parks School. However, it relied on the staff. The Sheffield Bowls commitment of a single teacher Association recommended that the who, due to other obligations was maximum length of grass on greens not able to bring the children to the should be 3 X 1/16 inch or 4.7mm. ground and therefore sustain the and above this length there was a programme. The establishment of limit to the extent to which veterans competitions between school clubs could reach the corners of a green. might serve to increase younger In addition, he believed that people’s interest in the sport and to increased scarifying was required facilitate this, the involvement of and the quality of turf should be sports co-ordinators would be improved in some cases. An required. This would also require a especially good example of a green degree of parental enthusiasm and was at Dronfield Woodhouse. support for young people wishing to Private greens of good quality were participate. located at: Hallam, Meersbrook, Bradfield, Stocksbridge and Hillsborough Bowls Club would Wadsley. A machine had been consider the pursuit of self purchased by clubs to assist in the maintenance, if the opportunity maintenance of greens and was arose, although it was pointed out used jointly between certain clubs. that there was a shortage of private green keepers in the area with the Stockport Council had a Bowling knowledge and skills to maintain a Development Team as bowling was quality bowling green. In general, particularly popular in Cheshire. In clubs, which had pursued self- addition, Civic Week, where 300 management, had been able to put matches were played in 10 days money back into their respective might potentially attract sponsorship. clubs through green fees. It was

Increased joint promotion, might perceived that casual play was ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP also be facilitated by the Parks comparatively expensive in relation Bowling Association and the Hallam to joining a local bowls club. Association. Mr Ellis informed the Group that There were 120 active members at bowls facilities in parks were in Hillsborough Club, including a group decline in Cities such as Leeds and for blind people and for people with Liverpool. He recommended that learning difficulties. In addition, there Officers look to examples of good were links with the Deaf Society. practice in relation to the quality of bowling greens in the locality, such A school programme was introduced as at Hallam, Bradfield Village and with children from Upperthorpe Dronfield Woodhouse.

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Skills and knowledge were required considered useful in identifying to properly manage a local club for future priorities and the quality and which support in relation to training value of pitches. might be required. If clubs were lost as a result of declining In relation to supply and demand, memberships, they were difficult to the study had found that: resurrect. It was his opinion that • 78% clubs had capacity for new improvements to the quality of members. greens would help to rekindle high level interest and, it might be the • Over half of clubs rate pitches as case that facilities such as those at average to poor and have access Concord Park and Steel City should to average, poor or no changing be combined, and a wider facilities. rationalisation of facilities in the City • 66% pitches were sloped and considered. 37% uneven.

There was a quality range in pitch In conclusion, Mr Ellis believed that ratings (categories were from very bowling was a positive activity, poor to excellent*) and number of encouraging physical activity and unmarked or disused pitches and in companionship. terms of quality of ancillary facilities, such as changing rooms*. 6.10 Playing Pitch Strategy

There were also issues of access The Working group considered a such as the quality of changing Playing Pitch Strategy for the City. rooms and whether segregated This piece of work was changing areas were provided and commissioned by the Council’s appropriate facilities, reflecting Development Services Division and developing trends in physical REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP undertaken by Strategic Leisure. activity, such as purpose built changing accommodation for the The methodology for the study, increasing number of ladies or girls leading to the Strategy was football teams prescribed by Sport England and the Central Council for Physical Access Recreation (CCPR), and included visits and consultation, which • Poor quality changing rooms considered the quantity and quality • Modern design/segregated of provision and current and future changing supply and demand. Whilst • 69% of clubs would prefer to acknowledging that the methodology travel further to access better used did have its limitations, it was quality facilities

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• Acceptable travel distance varies considered and to what extent there between 1 and 30 miles, although would be natural growth in team the average was 5 miles. membership and active growth promoted by clubs. It was noted that Other issues there had been a fall in membership • The sustainability of clubs of traditional football clubs and a • User expectations regarding marked switch to five a side games quality and that an increased understanding of such patterns would be critical to • Access and pricing ensuring there was a proper supply • Different level of facilities of pitches in the city. A large growth depending on area in junior and particularly girls football was noted whereas football at a Whilst senior clubs were able to senior level remained static for the facilitate transport to pitches some last five years and in addition, mini distance away, junior clubs required soccer had seen a marked growth. a more local facility. It was recognised that the involvement of If certain pitches were identified for senior teams in junior clubs was redesign (i.e. conversion from full needed to plan to help facilitate size to five a side or smaller scale progression from junior to senior use) the existing users would need level. some persuasion to relocate before such a redesign could take place Consideration also had to be given there was also a potential for leasing to funding and competition between facilities of larger clubs or for the many uses of parks, including example, University facilities to other sports. community clubs but the extent to which this might be achieved had not

For the study, parks were rated in been properly tested. ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP terms of their value from a sporting perspective. The first audit was The strategy did not include bowls done as part of Planning Policy and tennis provision and, although it Guidance 17 (PPG 17) but other was acknowledged that emphasis factors would be considered as well was placed around team sports, and there was a wider question of extensive demand for casual play as whether pitches should be located in well as team organised bowls had parks for recreational use rather than been identified. for specific sport provision. There were also a number of tennis In terms of demand, factors such as courts, which might be brought back into team generation and future use or used for a different type of population projections had been activity.

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A similar exercise might also be In relation to self management, the needed into bowls and tennis, evidence pointed to a willingness by although this might require an clubs to pursue self management, alternative methodology to that either in relation to overall employed for the teams sports management and maintenance or studied as part of the pitch strategy. purely the maintenance of pitches or greens. There was however, 6.11 Comparison with other local indication that clubs pursuing self authorities management should be supported to build up the skills and knowledge As part of the scrutiny exercise, required to undertake an increased other local authorities were sent management role. questionnaires to ascertain their approach to provision of facilities for One theme, which emerged from the sporting and physical activities in exercise was evidence of successful parks, including the proportion of partnerships between the Council budget allocated for sports and clubs, Friends Groups and the compared to non-sporting activities. health community. These might be strengthened further, by building There was a marked lack of upon internal co-operation between, response to the consultation for example, the Parks Woodlands exercise, with the exception of and Countryside and Activity Manchester City Council, which Sheffield and with clubs, Friends provided the detail of a sports pitch Groups and national organisations strategy. such as governing bodies.

A recommendation from the Working Such co-operation might be in the Group might be to undertake further realm of promotion and marketing

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP comparative work into alternative for target age groups and sports, for approaches used by other example the promotion of bowls, authorities in the provision and aimed at older people to promote management of sports facilities. better health, in line with the Council’s Physical Activity Strategy, 7 CONCLUSIONS and to build a social structure for people. The Working Group found a marked discrepancy between the best and The level of pricing and ease of the worst examples of pitches and booking needed to be managed to facilities in the City’s parks. ensure the highest level of access for people wishing to participate

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within the club structure and as 8.2 To recommend that the Council casual users of parks facilities. encourage increased involvement of participants/clubs in activities such as Any rationalisation of facilities bowls in the management of facilities should take account of alternative in parks. Wherever self-management provision, and consider the quantity takes place it is believed that club and quality of that provision members are more satisfied and elsewhere in the City on sites not therefore it is recommended that, under the management of Parks wherever there is the potential that Woodlands and Countryside. With clubs establish self management and this in mind, it should also utilise the maintenance, the direct amount study undertaken as part of the spent by the Council be transferred Playing Pitch Strategy and reflect for them to use as they see fit, whilst changing demands and clear trends, understanding that this might affect such as the growth in womens or the budget for the service and this junior football. However, there was issue will need to be addressed also a duty to stimulate demand, internally by the Council, it is believed particularly for target groups. that this would represent best value.

The initial consultation, which took 8.3 The Council has a particular role to place with clubs revealed a number play in making activities more of opinions, both positive and attractive, to older people in negative, in relation to the quantity particular, to encourage participation and the quality of sporting facilities and recommends increased in parks and, although it is apparent intervention to this end. that more extensive consultation needed to be undertaken, on a 8.4 The Working Group detected a formal and informal level with both conflict between the maintenance

clubs based in the City’s parks and specification (such as the length of ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP with casual users. grass on a bowling green) used by the Council and the demands of 8 RECOMMENDATIONS bowlers, particularly older participants who expressed a desire 8.1 The Working Group recognise the for a shorter length of green and it is pivotal role which Friends of Parks recommended that, subject to it not Groups can play, one of which is in affecting the sustainability of a attracting external funding and that particular green, this be addressed the Council should make every effort to meet the requirements of bowlers to help sustain and create Friends and that consideration be given to Groups for those Parks where they alternative arrangements to improve do not currently exist. the irrigation of greens. To this end,

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it might be appropriate for appropriate changing areas, which discussion to take place between reflect need, such as the increasing Parks, Woodlands and Countryside number of female football teams. and the Crown Green Bowling Association. 8.9 Increasingly, close co-operation be undertaken between Parks 8.5 In relation to continuing issues Woodlands and Countryside and surrounding security and vandalism, Activity Sheffield in the realms of it is recommended that bowls clubs sports development and health be assisted in fencing off greens to promotion. prevent such vandalism by bikes or by the lighting of fires, damaging 8.10 That the division of Cabinet green surfaces and that a responsibility between the programme be established over a maintenance of sports provision and period to meet this requirement. sports development should be Similar consideration is given to reviewed and that, in relation to increased security for cricket clubs maintenance, the provision of to protect wickets from damage. sufficient revenue funding should be This will require the Council to further examined. allocate capital funds. 8.11 That full consideration should be 8.6 That self-management for cricket given to the provision for other clubs be further explored which activities in parks, such as walking might enable them to attract external and urban sports such as BMX and funding and thereby finance skateboarding. improvements to pavilions and wickets. 8.12 Further exploration be undertaken of the extent to which more general

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP 8.7 That provision of quality sports regeneration funds might be utilised pitches and ancillary facilities might to improve sporting and other not be available in some parks, and facilities relating to physical activities in order to ensure there is quality in parks. provision, schools should be opened more widely for community access. 8.13 That a study be undertaken of bowling and tennis facilities, leading 8.8 A long term plan should be to the development of a green and produced, supported by capital tennis strategy for the City, along the funding, to bring about the same basis as that commissioned improvement of ancillary facilities, by Development Services for the including the provision of playing pitch strategy.

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8.14 That, as part of any future vehicles, particularly where they assessment, provision in parks might cause damage to parks and should reflect identified trends, for open spaces, whilst recognising the example, the increased participation difficulties of such enforcement. of females in football and junior football in general.

8.15 To undertake further comparative work into alternative approaches used by other authorities in the provision and management of sports facilities.

8.16 To achieve greater transparency earlier in the process in relation to the potential for investment or development of additional or existing parks and open space, through the acquisition of monies from Section 106 planning gain.

8.17 Given the problems of vandalism and inappropriate use of pitches and greens within City’s Parks, that increased work takes place with all appropriate agencies, including the Police, youth services and community based groups, to focus youth provision on engaging young ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP people, so as to provide diversionary activities and reduce incidents of damage to parks or anti- social behaviour.

8.18 Similarly, in conjunction with the appropriate partner agencies, to take further action to manage the use of off-road vehicles to ensure appropriate enforcement action in relation to the illegitimate use of

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MANAGEMENT RESPONSE

8.1 The Working Group recognise the The working group’s recognition of the pivotal role which Friends of Parks pivotal role of Friends groups is Groups can play, one of which is in welcomed. Officers will continue to offer attracting external funding and that support and assistance to these groups the Council should make every effort and will encourage the formation of to help create and sustain Friends Friends groups where currently none Groups for those Parks where they exist. do not currently exist.

8.2 To recommend that the Council Officers are keen to encourage the encourage increased involvement of increased participation in casual play participants/clubs for activities such and increased involvement at club level. as bowls in the management of The self-management of local facilities by facilities in parks. Wherever self clubs has been a successful partnership management takes place it is for those clubs involved and for the believed that club members are Council. Officers would support proposals more satisfied and therefore it is for bowling clubs to become self- recommended that, wherever there managed, but recognise that this will is the potential that clubs establish place an additional burden on some clubs self management and maintenance, which have a low or declining numbers of the direct amount spent by the members. Council be transferred for them to Self-management of bowling greens may use as they see fit, whilst have contributed to significant decline in understanding that this might affect casual public bowling at most greens; a the budget for the service and this contributing factor may be the public issue will need to be addressed perception that clubs have ‘private’

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP internally by the Council, it is membership. This public perception is believed that this would represent unfortunately given some credence by the best value. presence of security fencing to deter vandalism and the restricted opening hours operated by some smaller clubs. Some of these smaller clubs have low member numbers preventing them from staffing the facilities to the required opening hours, especially on days when the club members are competing away from home. The extension of self-maintenance in addition to self-management of bowling

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greens has been beneficial to the more successful self-managed clubs with strong membership. The bowling clubs with self- maintenance are reliant upon grant aid from Parks and Countryside to core fund the private maintenance contractors. Officers have received requests from new clubs for self-maintenance; all of these include requests for grant aid. Increasing the number of clubs with self- maintenance, with the Council grant aid, will further add pressure to the existing Parks and Countryside employee budget. This may reduce the available funding for the employment of seasonal front line gardeners, consequently effecting non- sport maintenance standards in the parks to the determent of the general public. We would recommend that any further extension of the self-maintenance of bowling greens and cricket facilities is linked to a review of facilities and is fully justified by increased sports usage and can demonstrate best value. Officers will look for opportunities to increase the number of clubs benefiting from self- maintenance; this will require a review of the current arrangements and an evaluation of existing grant aid to enable ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP equitable support for clubs with fewer members.

Clubs that can be considered for self- maintenance will; • be able to demonstrate that they have the resources, capacity, commitment and member support to develop their role for the benefit of their members and casual and community sports users

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• the appropriate constitution in place • opportunities for external financial support, and the capacity to explore these.

Parks and Countryside employees at all levels work closely with individual clubs and league representatives to improve facility maintenance, carry out infrastructure improvements and provide support to club management. This partnership working is very encouraging and demonstrates a strong commitment to local club based sport. Officers are reviewing the current arrangements for the provision, management and maintenance of facilities and will contact other local authorities to look at best practice examples for club self- management and self-maintenance.

The recently opened all year-around artificial bowling green is proving very popular and has led to the formation of a new bowling club at Woodhouse West End, it is hoped that this new facility will increase participation in outdoor bowling throughout the winter period. The success of the new green will provide the REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP opportunity to review the use of artificial greens as a cost effective alternative to grass.

8.3 The Council has a particular role to Officers are looking at opportunities with play in making activities more help from others to make activities more attractive to older people in attractive and recognise the value of particular to encourage participation participation in sport at all levels. The and recommends increased marketing and promotion of sports intervention to this end. activities requires strengthening. Additional resources and support in this area are required in order to make a meaningful improvement in take up, especially in areas, which suffer from

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antisocial activity and increased fear of crime. We would like to extend the role of the Ranger Service and develop the post of a dedicated ‘Sport and Well-being Ranger’ to focus on community engagement and offer support to various sports clubs where this is most needed. We will look at opportunities to fund this post from next financial year subject to budget.

Activity Sheffield is currently pursuing two work strands relevant to this issue. Firstly, the city is developing a promotional campaign to encourage people to be more active. This will have a focus (amongst others) on parks and their value for healthy activity. Secondly, Activity Sheffield has commissioned the British Heart Foundation to produce an ‘active older people’s’ plan for the city. This will recommend specific and practical steps that the city needs to take to encourage and support older people to be more active.

8.4 The Working Group detected a As previously stated (8.2 above) grounds

conflict between the maintenance staff and officers are working with ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP specification (such as the length of individual clubs to improve sports facility grass on a bowling green) used by maintenance, including improvements to the Council and the demands of bowling greens to develop the grass’s bowlers, particularly older resilience to continued short mowing. As participants who expressed a desire a follow on from the site visits by for a shorter length of green and it is Members and the involvement of bowling recommended that, subject to it not club representatives staff visits have taken affecting the sustainability of a place to view private club facilities to particular green, this be addressed share good practice. Improvements to the to meet the requirements of bowlers irrigation facilities, in association with and that consideration be given to clubs, are underway at three more sites alternative arrangements to improve (Meersbrook Park, Ecclesfield Park and the irrigation of greens. To this end, it Abbeyfield Park) this will bring about a

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might be appropriate for discussion corresponding improvement in growing to take place between Parks, conditions and improved playing surfaces Woodlands and Countryside and the and grass quality. A further increase of Crown Green Bowling Association. automatic irrigation will require capital investment of approximately £7,000 per green.

8.5 In relation to continuing issues The erection of security fencing around surrounding security and vandalism, bowling greens has reduced vandalism. it is recommended that bowls clubs In some cases self–managed bowling be assisted in fencing off greens to clubs have raised sufficient income to prevent such vandalism by bikes or contribute towards, or completely fund, by the lighting of fires, damaging the fencing (£8,000 - £10,000) per green. green surfaces and that a However, some bowling clubs are unable programme be established over a to contribute towards security fencing and period to meet this requirement. officers have already submitted a sports Similar consideration is given to infrastructure bid for inclusion within the increased security for cricket clubs Capital Programme, but this has not been to protect wickets from damage. allocated funding. The installation of This will require the Council to temporary security fencing to protect allocate capital funds. cricket squares is more difficult and has not proved to be successful on previous occasions due to vandalism. A key response to the issue of anti-social behaviour as the recommendation in 8.17 suggests, is the provision of constructive, diversionary activities for young people. Activity Sheffield is about to launch a

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP ‘Street Sports’ initiative, which will aim to attract young people who would not normally engage with more traditional sports. The service will offer opportunities to climb, skateboard, skate, BMX etc. The service will continue to work with the Police and Sheffield Futures to look at effective engagement opportunities. On site presence has been shown to be effective in other Parks Services for example, Maldon District Council has recorded a 50% reduction in vandalism. An equivalent service for Sheffield would

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cost an additional 1.3 million. This would provide 30 Rangers across the city who would give site presence and community engagement for the city. Officers acknowledge this level of funding is not available at the present time and will continue to seek external funding opportunities to work towards this best practice example.

Officers propose to develop base-line data of the resource cost of dealing with anti-social behaviour. This will be compared with core cities to analyse the benefits of increasing site presence. Bench marking to compare the role and level of involvement of sports clubs will also be carried out.

8.6 That self-management for cricket Increasing the self-management of cricket clubs be further explored which facilities by clubs is often linked to the might enable them to attract external quality of facilities available and the funding and thereby finance potential for securing further investment improvements to pavilions and by clubs. The availability of grant funding wickets. is often dependant upon the clubs having a player development role within the sport and obtaining a lease from the council for the facilities in question. We encourage self-management, in appropriate ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP circumstances this will depend on the venue and the sustainability of the organisation.

8.7 That provision of quality sports Officers welcome and support the pitches and ancillary facilities might Member’s recommendation that schools not be available in some parks, and should be opened more widely for in order to ensure there is quality community access. provision, schools should be opened more widely for community access. Community access of school pitches will be a key part of the future strategy. Schools can offer good standard playing

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facilities often with associated changing facilities. Community use makes economic sense in maximising the play capacity from school facilities. The key issue is obtaining schools’ agreement. There are concerns about over-play of facilities, increased vandalism and unmet costs for increased demands on cleaning, maintenance, utilities and caretaking.

A second strand of the pitches strategy is the further development of self- management on selected sites with appropriate clubs. This is currently being explored in relation to football and discussions are planned with the local Football Association officers in the near future.

The third strand of the pitch strategy however is the need to retain opportunities for those teams and clubs who simply want to book pitches and play but do not wish to get involved in the management and/or maintenance of pitches and buildings. This is also important for the many ad hoc teams of

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP friends who enjoy playing in their local area.

The final issue to be tackled in the strategy will be the selective transfer from adult football pitches – which currently show a general level of under-utilisation – towards more provision for junior football, which is experiencing a boom in demand and interest.

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8.8 A long term plan should be Officers from Parks and Countryside and produced, supported by capital Activity Sheffield are looking for funding, to bring about the opportunities to implement the improvement of ancillary facilities, recommendations of the Playing Pitch including the provision of appropriate Assessment and Strategy produced by changing areas, which reflect need, Strategic Leisure Ltd., which will require such as the increasing number of significant capital expenditure, which is female football teams. currently not available. The report did not include an assessment of bowling provision, there will be a cost of approximately £5000 -£7000 if this work is to be commissioned as a separate study, and this expenditure will have to be considered against other budget priorities. It is unlikely that the recommendations of the Playing Pitch Assessment and Strategy can be progressed without a dedicated officer resource that would work in partnership with Activity Sheffield on identified joint multi pitch/multi sport projects. This resource would enable the pitch strategy to be realistically costed. It would also require a budget to fund a detailed technical appraisal of sites and architects fees. It is possible that some of this expenditure, whilst undertaken, initially at risk, may be claimed back later as part of a funding bid.

Previous success has been achieved with ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP grant aid of £137,000 from the Football Foundation for Parson Cross Park, Colley Park and £12,500 for Totley Hall Park. Other sites such as Steel City are benefiting from a refurbishment of sports facilities funded from a grant of £250,00 from Sport England.

8.9 Increasingly, close co-operation be There are already strong relationships undertaken between Parks between Parks and Countryside and Woodlands and Countryside and Activity Sheffield staff on both sporting

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Activity Sheffield in the realms of issues and health-related activities such sports development and health as health walks. As referred to previously promotion. in this paper (see above), officers from both services are meeting to discuss a number of sports related issues and will continue to look at opportunities to increase participation in sport including sports development and promotion of healthy activities. 8.10 That the division of Cabinet These recommendations are noted and responsibility between the we trust that members will give these due maintenance of sports provision and consideration. sports development should be reviewed and that, in relation to maintenance, the provision of sufficient revenue funding should be further examined.

8.11 That full consideration should be Officers are pleased that members are given to the provision for other supportive of the benefits of other activities in parks, such as walking sporting activities. The creation of and urban sports such as BMX and facilities for skateboard parks and BMX skateboarding. tracks again require a capital allocation (5 number of skate board parks have been created in the last 2 years). In these instances the availability of Section 106 funding can enable facilities to be developed and Area Panels are REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP recommended to consider this type of provision alongside the more traditional children’s play facilities when prioritising the allocation of Section 106 funding. See 8.5 above with reference to emerging Street Sports initiative.

8.12 Further exploration be undertaken of The availability of more general the extent to which more general regeneration funds for the improvement regeneration funds might be utilized of sporting activities will be determined by to improve sporting and other the appropriateness and availability of the facilities relating to physical activities funding regime and its application to the in parks.

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requirements of the location. Officers will look for further opportunities through the HMR master planning and via Area Panels to improve sport and other physical activities as appropriate alongside other opportunities for regeneration. However, a key factor continues to be the lack of revenue funding to provide the necessary maintenance support following the capital investment, for instance it can cost £3,000- £5,000 per annum to maintain a football pitch in good condition following installation of a drainage system. 8.13 That a study be undertaken of Officers agree that a further piece of work bowling and tennis facilities, leading is required to develop strategies for the to the development of a green and provision and use of public tennis and tennis strategy for the City, along the bowling green (see 8.8 above) facilities. same basis as that commissioned Funding will be required to develop the by Development Services for the outcomes of this work and this will need playing pitch strategy. to be prioritised against other funding requirements. There will be an opportunity to look at the quality and quantity of all facilities within parks as part of the Green and Open Spaces Strategy.

Paul Sheard, Tennis Development Officer, REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP Activity Sheffield, has been asked to undertake a study of tennis facilities and provide recommendations on usage and provision of facilities. A student has undertaken a study on bowling usage and provision of facilities. It is centred on current demand and future requirements. 8.14 That, as part of any future Officers will use the information, which is assessment, provision in parks currently available, e.g. the should reflect identified trends, for recommendations contained within the example, the increased participation outdoor playing pitch strategy and of females in football and junior demographic information, to help football in general. determine the changing trends and will

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endeavour to match this to future service provision. This matter is already forming part of the agenda of officer meetings. 8.15 To undertake further comparative Officers are undertaking comparison work work into alternative approaches with other local authorities and would like used by other authorities in to employ best practice. This will be provision and management of sports progressed through the core cities facilities. benchmarking group which has recently been established. Sheffield Parks and Countryside Service is in the lowest quartile for spend but every effort will be made to reach best practice standards. 8.16 To achieve greater transparency Officers are working closely with Area earlier in the process in relation to Panels to improve the Panel’s priority the potential for investment for sites and to identify potential funding such development of additional or existing as S106 to ensure that the process is parks and open space, through the understood and supported by officers and acquisition of monies from Section Members alike (see 8.11 above). 106 planning gain.

8.17 Given the problems of vandalism Officers actively seek opportunities to and inappropriate use of pitches and engage in joint working with other greens within City’s Parks, that agencies to improve the provision and increased work takes place with all use of facilities and discourage antisocial appropriate agencies, including the activity. There are good examples within Police, youth services and the service where this has happened, but community based groups, to focus it is often limited by the availability of the youth provision on engaging young short-term external funds. Officers would REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP people, so as to provide like to see an increase in core funding to diversionary activities and reduce enable this work to be more sustainable incidents of damage to parks or (Reference 8.5 and on site presence and antisocial behaviour. engagement).

8.18 Similarly, in conjunction with the Officers have been working in partnership appropriate partner agencies, to with other agencies concerning planned take further action to manage the joint enforcement action to manage the use of off-road vehicles to ensure illegal use of off-road vehicles where appropriate enforcement action in significant problems exist. A number of relation to the illegitimate use of successful joint actions have already vehicles, particularly where they taken place.

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might cause damage to parks and Members may be aware that an off-road open spaces, whilst recognising the motorcycle steering group was set up to difficulties of such enforcement. look at the feasibility of developing a dedicated track within the city. A consultant was commissioned to investigate 12 pre-selected sites (the only possible options for Sheffield) for potential use as off-road motorcycle facilities and outline planning and other constraints. Following the study the consultant concluded that none of the sites, or other areas in Sheffield, are suitable for off- road motorcycling use and whilst it would be possible to seek other sites, given the built up nature of Sheffield, finding a suitable site for off - road motorcycling is unlikely. It was recommended that the next step should be to network with the adjoining local authorities in order to seek a regional consensus and possible solution. REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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Appendix 1 - Income and expenditure

OUTDOOR SPORTS FIGURES 2003/04 SEASON

FOOTBALL Senior Junior Totals Costs No of teams 122 108 230 No of pitches 97 53 150

Maintenance costs 72,000 Income £28,719 £9,556 £38,275 Net Cost £33,725

CRICKET No of teams 27 27 No of pitches 13 13

Maintenance costs £63,600 Income £4,848 £4,848 Net Cost £58,752

BOWLS Self managed teams 21 21 No of s/m greens 43 43 Average club membership 71 71

Maintenance costs £226,400 Grant aid £25,900 Income £18,326 Net Cost £233,974

TENNIS REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP Maintenance costs £42,000 Income £5,100 Net Cost £36,900

PITCH ‘n PUTT Maintenance costs £11,400 Income £16,700 -£5,300

Consumeables, Ferts etc £25,300 Contingency costs (5%) £21,000 Sports Admin Costs £23,300 Sports attendant costs £105,000

Net cost of sport £532,651

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Appendix 2 - 2004 season bowling figures and condition survey Toilets Condition Pavilion Condition Greens Fencing to Fencing Payment Countryside Club Income and Parks tennis) (including Club takings Play Parks and Countryside TakingsStaff Costs (Average) TakingsStaff Parks and Countryside Cub Match play Club for casual Attendances play Public for casual Attendances No. of Members REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP Self Grant Maintenance Costs Green Maintenance No Greens SELF MANAGED SITES BOLEHILLS BCCOLLEY BCCROOKESMOOR BCECCLESFIELD BCFRECHEVILLE BCGREENHILL BC 2 2GREEN OAK BCGRENOSIDE BC 2 1HERDINGS PARK 9434 9434 1 BCHIGH HAZELS PARK HILLSBOROUGH BC 9434 2 4717HOLLINSEND BC 1 4717 2 1LONGLEY BC 1 BCMEERSBROOK PARK 9434 3 61 80 4717 BCMIDDLEWOOD PARK 9434 4717 2 BCMILLHOUSES PARK 4717 2 93 BC 1NORFOLK PARK 45 14151 33 50 35 BCRICHMOND PARK 2 BCSTANNINGTON 1 52 9434 4758 6240 4717 23STEEL 0 CITY 40 BC 33 2 3THORNCLIFFE BC 1 62 Varies Varies 7254 41WHITELEY 4717 8633 WOODS BC 144 3510 2 CLUB SPORTS BEIGHTON 1 2730 21 0 2893 3188 Varies 9434 4717 Varies 54 1 2TOTAL 8633 2 Varies 10 104 0 1794 2 4598 55 2574 1 2630 2899 3120 4717 1813 SITES STAFFED 200 4836 1786 11232 Varies 27 4717 Varies 3198 73 Varies 48 4180 263 289 9434 Varies 0 Varies 1649 4717 2116 477 32 Varies 1624 4212 2122 1459 64 8112 418 5201 no no 2673 6 15600 4290 164 Varies 1719 8633 1924 Varies 162 68 1930 1327 0 yes Varies 78 Varies 4729 35 2430 good good 35 2907 3744 yes 96 1563 5116 192 yes 93 192 14790TOTALS 132 34 good 2496 1706 2 4992 Varies good good 141510 472 243 2635 poor N/A 156 4651 yes 13446 poor 39 25899 Varies Varies no good no 4342 0 1551 average 5304 0 yes yes 2730 1540 272 1344 yes good 465 poor 1220 7488 2726 average good Varies average 4048 Varies 155 7254 average good 2652 average yes (1) 875 yes yes average Varies good 1110 2479 2666 good Varies 120120 N/A good Varies 294 yes good no 43 4808 good good 110 3421 247 2424 1319 good good yes no (CCTV) 169812 good good 4371 v good yes 3110 242 good 1200 good good 74589 437 average yes 311 good 119 poor 67910 1696 yes average yes average yes 6679 1903 good yes average average 135018 poor average good good good 10574 48000 ABBEYFIELD PARKCONCORD PARK PARKFIRTH PARKGRAVES 1 CROSSPARSON 2 not in use 1 2 9434 1 N/A 4717 9434 4717 No Play No Play 40 no club 55 61 47 closed 2004 not staffed 134 3120 222 625 N/A 4290 4758 yes poor 2142 1331 poor 12000 3235 3866 12000 12000 12000 no yes (CCTV) good no good no very good good good good good average

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Appendix 3 - Pricing information

Sheffield City Council

PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE

2005/2006

PRICE SCHEDULE FOR USE OF:

• Sports facilities • Hire of meeting rooms • Allotments REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL, PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE SPORTS PRICES 2005/2006

TYPE OF OUTDOOR SPORTS PITCHES (GRASS) PITCH

SPORTS CASUAL CASUAL SEASON SEASON SEASON PITCHES Adult Junior Adult Junior 7-a-side

Class One £36.00 £18.00 £406.00 £198.00 £96.00 Class Two £34.00 £17.00 £345.00 £172.00 £92.00 Class Three £25.00 £13.00 £270.00 £141.00 £86.00 Class Four £19.00 £9.20 £189.00 £86.00 £71.00

Five-a-Side Adult Junior (per hour)

Class One Graves £16.00 £8.20 Class Two High Green £14.00 £7.00

Notes

(a) Football, cricket, hockey and rugby pitch prices are for a ‘match’ period.

(b) All other pitches are for a one-hour period.

(c) Further details on block bookings for football, cricket, hockey and rugby prices are available from David Judge at Head Office (tel: 250 0500).

(d) Changing room charge: REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP Parson Cross - £18.90 Graves Park - £18.90

Changing room charges are per match.

All prices include VAT at 17.5%.

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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL, PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE SPORTS PRICES 2005/2006

ACTIVITY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - BOWLS

NON-CARD SLIDE CARD HOLDERS

Casual Per person per hour

Adult £2.30 £1.60 Junior £1.00 £0.70

Individual and pairs knockout per person for a one day tournament

Adult £1.80 £1.80 Junior £1.00 £1.00

Team Bowls 7-a-side matches - £11.20 per team. (£1.60 p/ person) Per match 8-a-side matches - £12.80 per team. (£1.60 p/ person) NB: Slice card 10-a-side matches - £17.50 per team. (£1.75 p/ person) discounts do not apply (The few 12-a-side matches to be charged as a 10-a-side)

Notes

(a) Lockers: £5.50 for non card holders, £3.30 for slice card holders.

(b) Bowl hire: £1 deposit (or card) and 70p hire charge for set of two. REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP (c) Green hire: payment of green hire fee gives exclusive use to the hirer. Please note that there are no card discounts. Green hire is only available for final days, county, inter city open and rep matches.

Charges:

Adult per day - £38.50 Adult 3 hours - £18.00 Junior per day - £16.75 Junior 3 hours - £8.40

(d) Meersbrook Park floodlit green hire: adult £22.00 and junior £11.00 (per evening hire).

All prices include VAT at 17.5%.

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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL, PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE SPORTS PRICES 2005/2006

TYPE OF PITCH OUTDOOR SPORTS PITCHES (per 60 minute session) (FLOODLIT TARMAC AT PARKS)

WINTER (FLOODLIT) (1st September – 31st March)

Class One (Parson Cross) (includes changing)

Adult £22.00 Junior £17.35

Class Three (Meersbrook, Hillsborough, High Green)

Adult £15.30 Junior £11.00

All prices include VAT at 17.5%. REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL, PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE SPORTS PRICES 2005/2006

TENNIS (EXCLUDING NON-CARD SLIDE CARD GRAVES LEISURE TENNIS HOLDERS AND LEISURE CENTRE)

CASUAL Per hour, per court (not per person)

Adult £3.60 £2.60 Junior £1.60 £1.20

TEAM Per court, per match

Adult £9.60 £7.00 Junior £4.50 £3.40

Notes

Casual Tennis

(a) Padder Tennis

Junior - £0.50 per court per half hour for 2 to 4 persons. Adult - £1.00 per court per half hour.

(b) Tennis REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP 1. Tennis racket hire: £1.00 for non card holders, 80p for slice card holders. 2. Deposit on rackets: £5.00 or slice card. 3. Tennis balls hire: 50p each. Deposit £0.50 pence

Tennis balls are no longer available for sale

Team Tennis

1. All prices are per court per match. 2. Slice card discounts only apply when all team members have a card. 3. These charges only apply to official matches ie Yorkshire League, Sheffield and District Lawn Tennis Association matches.

All prices include VAT at 17.5%

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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL, PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE SPORTS PRICES 2005/2006

Miniature Golf NON-CARD SLIDE CARD (Pitch and Putt) HOLDERS HOLDERS Whiteley and Graves

Adult £2.75 £1.90 Junior £1.20 £0.80

Putting Greens Adult £1.70 £1.20 Junior £1.00 £0.50

Notes

(a) Golf tees: 10p for 2. (b) Deposit for putter/mashie and putter: £5 or slice card. (c) Lost balls – £1.00 each.

All prices include VAT at 17.5%.

BOATING - MILLHOUSES NON-CARD SLIDE CARD HOLDERS HOLDERS

Juniors - one person per £1.80 £1.00 boat (20 minutes)

Juniors - 2 people per £1.40 £0.75 ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP boat (maximum) sharing per person per person (20 minutes)

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PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE CONDITIONS OF USE: PARK BUILDINGS

Thank you for your interest in booking a park pavilion. 1. The use of a park building is subject to the following conditions and hire charges. 2. Hire Charges

ORGANISATION CATEGORY RATE PER HOUR

Subsidised use: £4.15 per room (negotiable) - Pre school playgroups - OAP groups - Community associations - Youth clubs etc - Non profit making £7.40 organisations/charities - Cultural associations - Children’s dance classes - Sports clubs etc - Children’s birthday parties £12.50 (subject to availability) Full rate: £20.60 - Private functions (e.g. wedding receptions, dinner dances etc). - Profit making ventures (e.g. commercial training courses, bingo sessions, health clubs etc). - Profit making organisations Others: Negotiable from £5.60 per week - Casual/ad-hoc use

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP - Occasional fund-raising events Negotiable/free (within the premises) – held by existing groups and linked directly to use of the pavilion. Any others Negotiable on request Public Liability insurance £10.00 - single bookings only

NB. Prices are subject to periodical review. Customers will however be given adequate notice well in advance of any price increases. 3. Invoicing Procedure • Individual bookings: you will be invoiced the following month. Please withhold payment until you have received the invoice. • Regular bookings: you will be given the choice to be invoiced monthly, bi- monthly or quarterly.

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4. Cancellation of Bookings

• The Council must be notified if you wish to cancel your booking, or charges may be made.

• In the event of a cancellation on a specific day, please inform me. This will avoid any overcharging when the invoices are sent out. If you are overcharged by one or two sessions, I can alter the next invoice accordingly.

• The council reserves the right to terminate bookings at any time.

5. In accordance with the Sheffield City Council policy:

• NO SMOKING should take place in pavilions.

• No dogs or other animals are allowed inside pavilions (guide dogs excepted) during public use.

• Gambling should not take place in pavilions during public use.

6. Insurance Liabilities

• The City Council is covered by “Public Liability Insurance” for claims involving Council negligence only. This does not cover accidental personal injury, accidental damage to property or similar incidents caused by any wilful, malicious or deliberate action or omission. Therefore, it is necessary for users of this accommodation to provide their own insurance to cover such claims.

• In the event of any damage done to a building, premises, furniture and fittings or any other contents of the premises arising from the use of the accommodation, the cost of the damages will be assessed by a Council Officer. The customer irrespective of the level of charge category applied will

pay this cost. ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

7. Completion of Application Forms

On signed completion, please send to:

Parks, Woodlands and Countryside Meersbrook Park Brook Road Sheffield S8 9FL

Marked for the attention of: James Barnes, Community Partnerships Officer, telephone: 0114 273 6816, fax: 0114 255 2375.

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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL, PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE NORFOLK HERITAGE PARK – CENTRE IN THE PARK HIRE CHARGES 2005/2006

Groups 1 small 1 large 2 large 3 large Community room room rooms rooms hall

Voluntary/local community: Per hour £4.00 £9.00 £18.00 £25.00 £18.00 Half day £12.00 £22.00 £44.00 £60.00 £44.00 Full day £22.00 £44.00 £85.00 £110.00 £85.00

Non profit making/ charities: Per hour £8.00 £17.00 £27.00 £37.00 £27.00 Half day £22.00 £44.00 £65.00 £85.00 £65.00 Full day £44.00 £85.00 £125.00 £168.00 £125.00

Public sector: Per hour £11.00 £22.00 £33.00 £44.00 £33.00 Half day £30.00 £60.00 £85.00 £110.00 £85.00 Full day £55.00 £100.00 £160.00 £220.00 £160.00

Commercial/Private Function: Per hour £18.00 £30.00 £40.00 £52.00 £40.00 Half day £50.00 £90.00 £120.00 £150.00 £120.00 Full day £90.00 £150.00 £220.00 £290.00 £220.00 REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP Birthday parties: Per hour n/a n/a n/a n/a £140.00

Equipment Hire Charges

TV and Video/DVD £10.00 per session Overhead projector and screen £10.00 per session Screen only £5.00 per session Flipcharts/whiteboards (plus pens & paper £5.00 per session

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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL, PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE ALLOTMENT RENTS 2005/06 FINANCIAL YEAR

The rents will be charged in accordance with the size and amenities of the site as follows. Tenants have however been advised of the level of charges for 2005/06 in line with the agreed 12 months notice of increase.

Sites without amenity Sites with amenity charge charge Present Rent Rent from Present Rent Revised (Amenity Plot £ April 2005 £ Rent from charge size £ April 2005 included) ££ 9.80 10.10 17.60 18.10 8.00 Up to 200m2 14.00 14.40 26.30 27.10 12.70 Over 200m2 18.00 18.50 36.40 37.50 19.00 Over 300m2

Corker Bottoms Present rent Revised rent (from April 2005) Shed £10.00 £10.30 Glasshouse £10.00 £10.30 Boiler £10.00 £10.30

Society huts:

Present rent Revised rent £0.52 per m2 £0.52 per m2 REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP NB: The above rates are for normal size plots, larger plots will attract a pro-rata increase in charge. The new rent for your plot(s) will be based on the charges shown above and will be payable twenty one days from the date on which you received the account.

RENT CONCESSIONS

The rent increases do not affect the availability of allotment rent concessions, which will continue to operate at 50% of the revised rents. The discounts are senior citizens, unemployed, recipients of disabled living allowance, recipients of disabled workers' allowance, recipients of family credit, recipients of incapability benefit, industrial injuries disablement, Housing/Council Tax benefits and students on grants. ALL DISCOUNTS MUST BE CLAIMED AT HOWDEN HOUSE PAYMENT DESK.

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PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE HIRE CHARGES: BOTANICAL GARDENS

ORGANISATION CATEGORY RATE PER HOUR

Subsidised use: £4.00 per room (negotiable) - Pre school playgroups - OAP groups - Community associations - Youth clubs etc - Non profit making £7.15 organisations/charities - Cultural associations - Children’s dance classes - Sports clubs etc

Full rate: £20.00 - Private functions (e.g. wedding receptions, dinner dances etc). - Profit making ventures (e.g. commercial training courses, bingo sessions, health clubs etc). - Profit making organisations

NB. Prices are subject to periodical review. Customers will however be given adequate notice well in advance of any price increases. REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL, PARKS, WOODLANDS AND COUNTRYSIDE FIRST START – ROOM HIRE CHARGES 2005/2006

Training Training 1 & 2 Reception Park room 1 room 2 combined room view

Voluntary/local community: Per hour £4.50 £4.50 £8.50 £6.50 £8.50 Half day £12.50 £12.50 £25.00 £19.50 £25.00 Full day £22.50 £22.50 £45.00 £35.50 £45.00

Non profit making/ charities/public sector: Per hour £8.50 £8.50 £17.00 £12.50 £17.00 Half day £25.00 £25.00 £50.00 £37.50 £50.00 Full day £42.50 £42.50 £85.00 £62.50 £85.00

Commercial/ private sector: Per hour £12.50 £12.50 £25.00 £20.00 £25.00 Half day £37.50 £37.50 £75.00 £60.00 £75.00 Full day £62.50 £62.50 £125.00 £100.00 £125.00

• Daily rates normally apply between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm • Half day bookings start or finish by 1.00 pm

• Weekday bookings after 7.00 pm, and weekend bookings after 5.00 pm are ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP subject to a £10 per hour surcharge • Voluntary groups are defined as groups which do not receive external funding.

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Appendix 4 - Survey Results REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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11(b). Why? REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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12(b). Why? REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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16(b). Why?

REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP 17(b). Why?

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8. Please indicate how satisfied or dissatisfied your club is with the condition of the cricket facilities REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

8(b). Why?

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9(b). Why? REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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13(b). Why? REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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14(b). Why? REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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1. Please indicate how satisfied or dissatisfied you are overall with Parks, Woodlans and Countryside Services (PWC): 2. Please indicate which of the PWC Services you have used REPORT OF THE CULTURE, ECONOMYREPORT OF THE CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING GROUP

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This document can be supplied in alternative formats, please contact:

Chief Executive Committee Secretariat Tel: 0114 273 4117 www.sheffield.gov.uk

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