Springbourne Gardens 5 year Management Plan

Vision

To provide a pocket of space for younger children and older people to relax, play, be outdoors and be active and to provide a garden extension to the library. In the longer term to be a mini-campus of community activities such as gardening, storytelling, fund raising, book sales etc.

Author: Michael Rowland

Written: Jan 2012

Last reviewed: December 2016 Next review: December 2017

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Contents

1. Site Description & Details

2. Current Management Arrangements

3. Vision

4. Assessment & SWOT Analysis

5. Aims

6. Development Plan

7. Finance & Resources

8. Monitor & Review

9. Management Structure & Contacts

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1. Site Description & Details

Springbourne Gardens Holdenhurst Road Bournemouth BH8 8BX National Grid Ref: 41046 09246 Area: 1180m2 or 0.12 Hectares Local Authority: Bournemouth Borough Council (Unitary)

1.1. Site Description Springbourne Gardens were completed and opened in March 2011following the demolition of a redundant day centre and the re-location of allotments on this site.

The entrance to gardens has been designed sympathetically to compliment the architecture of the library, with high quality stonework, railings, gates and ironwork and planting to lift the general feel of the area.

The gardens wrap around two sides of Springbourne Library (a locally listed Carnegie funded building) and provide a small amount of car parking for maintenance vehicles, deliveries and disabled parking. The parking area and paths are laid on a gravel stabilisation system to improve local drainage and soften the landscape.

Artwork has been incorporated into the fences, entrances and within beds to provide some visual interest. Some work was undertaken with local children who participated in the design stage and provides community links to the space.

A small area between the car parking and main space is laid out as a quiet seating area and will eventually sit beneath the shade of trees.

The main space is laid out with a circular path and a variety of play features, these include a basket swing, toddler swings, a toddlers climbing unit, willow tunnel and storytelling area. Flower beds initially laid out last year have struggled with the level of footfall and will be covered with turf shortly and a new play item added.

A path leads to the rear of the garden in readiness to link with a proposed new council housing scheme.

Flower beds around the edge of the green have been planted with wildflower seed or perennial bedding.

A time capsule is located in the northeast corner of site, which was buried for the opening ceremony in 2011. This is marked with a small plaque.

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The diagram below shows the key strategic and policy structures in relation to all parks and open spaces.

Bournemouth 2026 Corporate Plan

Community Strategy 2012

Local Development Core Strategy 2012

Green Space Strategy Tree Strategy 2012 2007 Draft Service & Council Policies Health & Safety Pesticides Lone working etc.

Playground Strategy 2009

Playing Pitch & Leisure Facilities Strategies 2008 Site Playing Pitch & Management Leisure Facilities Plans Strategies 2008

Nature Conservation

Strategy 2007

1.2. Designations It is a requirement under Bournemouth Borough Council’s Standing Orders for the Planning Officer to determine any proposal by another directorate for the felling of trees on Council owned land with the exception of emergency works including dangerous trees1. The park is designated as public open space. Springbourne Library is a locally listed building.

1 Except up to six small trees below 7.5cm diameter at 1.5m – this is for the purposes of routine maintenance and site management. 4

1.3. Ownership & Covenenants The space is owned freehold by Bournemouth Borough Council and is appropriated to Parks. There are no known covenants on the land.

1.4. Leases & Concessions There are no current leases or management agreements in place.

1.5. Users, Community Involvement & Stakeholders There are no formal users of the site. The site is primarily used by families with young children and older people for the purposes of play and relaxation. Space is available for wider community involvement as the site develops, with aspirations for a community garden. Springbourne Library uses the space for summer events, Parks use the space for small and occasional events. Both the Phoenix Group and Bourne Spring Trust (local charitable organisations) have made donations to the park for improvements to play facilities. Wooden artwork in the park was designed by local children and fabricated at the opening event to create lasting links with the space the community. A community development grant was given to the Gardens by the Council for the fabrication of the metalwork above the main entrance gate.

The following was written by Wendy Finn, Library Manager, Springbourne Library....

“We have had very positive comments regarding Springbourne Gardens over the past year and it has proved to be a welcome asset to an otherwise bland area of Springbourne. There is very little green community space in this area but now there always seems to be visitors to the park throughout the day. On warmer days it is great to see family groups having a picnic and enjoying the open space and equipment, remarks such as ‘a little oasis’ have been made. The Parks team have created an uncultivated area that was full of poppies last year and they have planted bulbs outside the library to brighten the entrance. Springbourne Library has benefitted with an increase in visitor numbers, as together with the park this area is now a place worth visiting. Parks have hosted a few events which have encouraged more families to visit and listen to the storytelling. When the weather prevents an outside event we are usually able to accommodate them in the library Community Room avoiding disappointment. Since the park opened the area has had a new lease of life providing a space where families can come together and this has increased awareness of the library and what we can offer to the Community.”

Regular contact is manitained with all stakeholders. All stakeholders have contact details for relevant

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Council staff with day to day contact usually being the site manager. This sites user groups are currently represented by:

 Bournemouth Parks  Bournemouth Libraries  Relevant community groups (e.g. Phoenix Group)

All Parks staff will work with and co-operate with stakeholders and community groups.

1.6. Access, Signage & Interpretation Access to the site is gained from Holdenhurst Road. There is a service vehicle entrance and a pedestrian gate.

There is an access for library staff directly into the park from the west of the building.

Future plans include an access from the community room into the gardens from the northern side of the building, with access to toilets and refreshments. Access into estate at rear

Further pedestrian access will be developed to the north of the site into a new council housing development.

The site is easily accessible all year round. The Gardens are locked at dusk (by the patrol team) and opened at 7am each morning (by the maintenance team), this is to reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Library staff and one neighbor also hold keys to the Gardens for emergency purposes.

The site has a prominently located welcome sign which tells users the name of the site, the facilities available and clearly identifies that Bournemouth Council is responsible for the site along with contact details for the Council for further information or to report anything relating to the site.

2. Current Management Arrangements

2.1. Health & Safety Full copies of all documentation (including checklists) relating to Health & Safety, Risk Assessments, Maintenance Standards (hard & soft landscape), COSSH are available on request from Housing, Parks & Bereavment Services (example sheets included in the appendix).

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2.2. Grounds Maintenance: Day to day park maintenance is carried out by the Council’s in-house Parks Team, part of the Housing, Parks & Bereavement Services Business Unit. Relevant staff structure can be found at Appendix 1.

2.3. Arboriculture All of Bournemouth Council’s trees are looked after by the Arboricultural Section within the Parks Team. All trees are risk assessed with sites being zoned dependant on risk posed to people and property, with this increasing or decreasing on size, age, number, and condition of trees present. All information is held on GIS based Ezytreev tree management system.  Category A – an inspection will take place at least once within a 24 month period.

 Category B - an inspection will take place at least once within a 36 month period.

 Category C - an inspection will take place at least once within a 60 month period.

The Arboricultural section is also supported by voluntary Tree Wardens and by Friends Of groups who report potential hazard.

Springbourne Gardens is in the “Category C” section due to the age and size of the trees.

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2.4. Hard Landscape Hard landscape is maintained by Bournemouth Parks Team. Hard landscaping is maintained and developed using materials appropriate for the setting, need and access levels. We are moving towards a system of site risk assessment of all main sites (including all Green Flag sites, but not all small or remote sites) this will include hard landscaping features e.g. fencing, footpaths, signs, bins, etc but excluding the areas already covered by assessment/ inspections such as buildings & play areas.

2.5. Play Area Play areas are inspected as recommended by BSEN 1176, which includes:  Weekly visual inspections to identify obvious hazards resulting from vandalism, usage or weather by trained staff.  Quarterly operational inspections- more detailed to check operation and stability of equipment by in house trained staff.  An external annual inspection to establish overall condition of equipment, surfaces, fencing etc All inspections are recorded onto Playsafe Asset Management system. Parks staff will also be on site at some areas as a result of other procedures (e.g. litter round) and may identify and report faults. The playground has been risk assessed.

2.6. Buildings From December 2010 facility management of all Borough building assets was externally outsourced to Mouchel. As part of the Borough’s Asset Management Plan Mouchel are responsible for undertaking:  5 yearly building condition surveys

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 annual desk top updates with Parks Technical Manager (works/deterioration during year etc)

2.7. Graffiti All graffiti is removed as soon as possible by Parks staff, with the following guidelines:  All obscene graffiti to be removed within 24hrs  Non obscene graffiti to be removed within 7 days If it cannot be removed by Staff an in-house centrally funded graffiti team is called in from the council’s Technical Services section and if still not possible through a contracted specialist. All public reports of graffiti should be passed through ‘ASK Bournemouth’ on 01202 451199.

2.8. Byelaws: As a new site Springbourne Gardens is not listed within Bournemouth’s 1999 open space byelaws. Part of this space is referred to as Springbourne Allotments. The park is designated for control of dog fouling under Dog Control Orders under Part 6 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Bournemouth Dog Control Orders of 2011 lists Springbourne Gardens as a dog free area. Copies of both byelaws and dog control orders can be found at.. http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Parks/ByelawsAccessandPolicies/Byelawsforourparks andopenspaces.aspx

2.9. Security: The Council has a late night patrol team that monitors hotspots/ problem areas across the Borough parks and open spaces. Their remit is to promote the responsible use of parks and address inconsiderate behaviour within them and forge links with residents, community groups and enforcement agencies to achieve these ends. Springbourne has local problems relating to public drinking and drug taking. In the interests of safety and security of children using the space the gardens are locked at dusk and opened at 7am.

2.10. Vehicles, Plant, Machines and Parking

Bournemouth Parks uses a mixed fleet of vehicles, plant and machines powered by electric, diesel and petrol individually chosen to fulfil their purpose within their location with criteria being; area of use, size of material being carried, noise, CO2 emissions and length of time for use.

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There are currently three parking spaces on site, with one disabled bay. Parking is for disabled users, library deliveries and parks maintenance.

2.11. Recycling, Litter and Waste

At present (2012) Bournemouth is in the top quartile of waste recycling within England with less than 20% of material being sent to landfill and this is strongly supported by all Parks and Green space with all dog waste being separated so that all other litter can be machine and hand sorted to reduce tonnage to landfill. All green material is either chipped on site or recycled through local green recycling plant and all large woody waste is chipped to be used in the biomass boiler at our Kings Pk Nursery.

Processing large woody waste which is used within Biomass boiler at Kings Park Nursery

Bins and litter are monitored and cleared at a varied rate throughout the year to ensure that the site is kept in a clean and tidy condition.

2.12. Energy & Water Conservation: All utility meters are read regularly to identify trends in use and particularly to warn of water leakage from pipes.

2.13. Pesticide Minimisation: Whenever practicable the use of pesticides will be minimised and alternative solutions sought. Within Parks, Gardens and Open spaces there is a continual reduction in the use of pesticides, through the use of site generated and/or locally chipped compostable material as shrub border mulch. To view the Pesticides Policy, go to http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Parks/ByelawsAccessandPolicies/ParksPoliciesandPr ocedures.aspx

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2.14. Biodiversity A Phase I Habitat Survey has been undertaken by Bournemouth University at all the Borough’s open space sites. The gardens have been re-developed since this survey. A wildflower meadow area will be been sown in 2013, whilst planting has sought to include a variety of native species. As trees mature nest boxes will be erected.

2.15. Resources The site has an Area Parks Officer, who also covers several other parks in the area. The site is maintained from Boscombe Gardnes Depot that has four Parks Operatives based on site. The grass cutting team and environmental team carry out scheduled works throughout the year. Large capital expenditure projects are progressed through the management plan and scheduled into relevant future Parks budgets or the Council’s capital programme. Planning agreement contributions are available for relevant improvements to the site.

2.16. Marketing - Site & Event Promotion The Gardens, their facilities and community events held within them are promoted in the following ways: o ‘The Councils’ http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Home.aspx o On site event promotion through a site notices o The Borough’s current Leisure Directory o At Springbourne Library There is scope to develop promotional material for park facilities within the Borough. To promote sites such as this, Parks have a dedicated PR and Volunteer Engagement Officer to promote all our Parks and Gardens and opportunities for volunteers within them. To find out how to book an event in the Park please go to http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Events/Events.aspx

2.17. Issues  Minor graffiti on the building and equipment  Occasional entry into the site at night and associated noise  Children throwing gravel around and trampling planting – requires adaption

3. Vision See front cover

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4. Assessment & Analysis In the absence of current user survey data the SWOT analysis has been compiled through interviews with parks staff and through conversation and feedback with visitors and library staff.

Strengths Weaknesses Library is next door with toilets. Library toilets not open all the same Park is in excellent condition and is times as the park. secure. No link from library directly to the Has a large population within walking park – visually or physically. distance. No cafe facilities. Playground is popular and well used by Limited play equipment young children. Limited community and library Good community support and affection participation in site management. for the site, local people are proud of No notice board. it. Gravel gets thrown around. No dog fouling, low litter and vandalism levels. High quality materials and artwork in and around the space. Strong support from ward councillors. Has increased library visits. Opportunities Threats Community garden and involvement. Small library, potential budget cut. Storytelling and events. Vandalism and ASB and any associated Link to new housing and associated bad PR. developer contributions. Drop-off in interest in space. Parks and library together could Lack of community participation in contribute to improvements in health management. and literacy locally. New housing development could make Better advertising through notice board space quite territorial if not well on railings. managed. Wildlife gardening showcase. Develop community cafe and link to library.

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5. Aims

 Improve visitor numbers and enjoyment to gardens and library  Maintain and develop community interest & involvement  Improve variety of play equipment  Develop the site to be an example for wildlife gardening  Improve signage and notice presentation

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6. Development Plan To meet these aims we are planning to undertake the following:- Action & Compartment Lead Team Due Date Resources Completed Cycle

Routine works Clean hard surfaces & maintain paths, CMc P As necessary Ongoing Yes paving and steps in a safe condition. Surfaces to be appropriate for their location and usage. Areas of minor repairs to be carried out within 48 hours wherever possible from reporting. Top-up and maintain gravel paths. Rake CMc P March/April. Raking as Ongoing Annual gravel off safety surface. necessary. Provide and maintain seats, bollards & litter bins to ensure continuity of style within the Gardens. Paint colour for railings is black. Litter picking TC P Daily Ongoing Yes Empty Litter Bins TC P Daily Ongoing Yes Remove graffiti from site CMc P As necessary Ongoing Yes Maintain grass to general amenity TC P As necessary Ongoing yes standard. Where appropriate leave grass to grow with less cuts. Monitor drainage at corner plot CR P After rainfall as necessary Ongoing Annual Support community involvement CMc P Inspect Trees to ensure that the tree NC P Annual Ongoing Yes stock is maintained in a safe & healthy condition for all users.

Selective thinning of young trees Apr 2012 Target ASB / vandalism through enforcement and repair damage ASAP.

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2012 Specific project works Lead Team Due Date Resources Completed Cycle New edge and back for corner plot CMc P Mar 12 New entrance sign with opening hours MS L&T Jul 12 £25 July 12 n/a New black framed notice board for MS L&T Jul 12 £500 Jul 12 n/a railings, extra key with library Close gap in railings at edge JvB L&T Jun 12 May 12 n/a Replace tree ties NC P Jun 12 n/a Replace failing nida-gravel section DI L&T Jul 12 Requested outside library door Replace the commemorative wooden MS L&T Jul 12 Requested plaque for the time capsule Replace lost entrance tree NC P Mar 13 Mar 13 Consider some knee rail to protect CMc P Winter works planting 2013 Specific project works Willow tunnel – cut & tidy CMc P Mar 13 July 13 1-2 years Re-mulch shrub borders CMc P Mar13 2 years Print Parks directory RH L&T Mar 13 £1500 Requested Annual 2014 Specific project works Sand & treat wooden sculpture CMc P Mar 14 March 14 3 years 2015 Specific project works Re-mulch shrub borders CMc P Mar15 Oct 15 2 years 2016 Specific project works Willow tunnel – cut & tidy CMc P Mar 16 Done with Vols Nov 2-3 years Sand & treat railings/gates CMc P Mar 16 4 years 2017 Specific project works Other Items to be programmed New play equipment funded by JvB L&T ? £1000 n/a Phoenix Move rear path to align with new MS L&T ? ? development

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Graphic Development Plan

Develop cafe and toilet entry New notice point board and sign Install new play item

Replace tree

Re-align path when housing development is complete Repair gravel sections

Protect planting to allow it to establish

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Parks have an annual revenue budget of £3.6m and total expenditure of £5.6m, with £2m of self generated income annually. Springbourne Gardens generates no income yet. Staffing levels and budget resources for the site remain secure at present. Minor works are paid for through annual revenue budgets, whilst major capital expenditure can only be accessed through the Council’s capital programme or successful grant applications. Major works or expenditure predicted through the management plan will be highlighted to managers for integration in future budgets.

8. Monitor & Review

As part of the process of managing the sites a regular green flag group meeting is held to discuss all green flag sites and progress between them. The site champion will visit the site regularly and work with stakeholders to ensure the site continues to develop and meet expected standards.. All staff and community groups have access to the management plans and will be encouraged to make notes throughout the year on when items were completed and any issues that arose. Annual green flag judging feedback sheets are also taken into consideration. Comments from above are fed annually into the issues section of the plan, from which point forward the plan is edited every year. Review dates are shown on the front cover of the document.

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BBC LANDSCAPE TEAM BBC PARKS OPERATIONS 9. Management Structure Michael Rowland Andy McDonald Parks Manager Parks Manager Operations Development 01202 451695 01202 451632 Head of Grounds Maintenance

Green Flag Champion Michael Rowland 01202 451632 Landscape Team Martyn Sexton Nick Colledge Robert Potter 01202 451636 Technical Manager Arboricultural Manager Greenspace Manager Design & 01202 451636 01202 451682 07771 746033 Improvement Hard landscape & Trees Resources, Machinery playground maint.

Chris McMillan 07771 746034 Area Manager BBC Other Grounds Supervisor

Wendy Finn Eddie Barker Chris Randall 01202 397115 07974 014710 07909 872667 Library Manager Community Groups Senior Patrol Officer Senior skilled grounds Out of hours patrol person

Phoenix Group Tom Powell http://www.bournemouth2026.org 01202 451742 .uk/thephoenixgroup 3 x Parks Operative s Events Team based at Boscombe Depot Events Info. 01202 396718 ) Bourne Spring Trust http://bournespringtrust.com/ Other Authorities 01202 451306

Dog Warden Police Control Room Dogs Fouling & Dangerous 01202 222222 Dogs Boscombe Safer Neighbourhood Team

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