Parks and Public Realm Update

• Parks furniture painting – due to be completed end of March 2024
• Park Play and Open Space Safety app, in full operational use.
• High & Med tree works to be completed in both St Georges and Baxter Park – End of March 2024
• Flood lights repaired at Broadwaters Park
• Grounds Maintenance contract – tender closing date 26 Jan, formal review and scoring of candidates, to be undertaken at the Services Committee, 20th February to award contract and commencement of contract to start 1st April.
• Operational vehicle purchase – tender closing date 29th December 2023, awarded limeleasig, finalising agreement.
• Vandalism/anti-social behaviour is prominent at both Baxter and St Georges, number of trees damaged, with a high volume of graffiti.
• Vandalism to Market St toilets, happening on regular occurrence, police are being notified.
• Biodiversity assessments undertaken, action plan of potential works to increase biodiversity within our parks.
• Possible partnership opportunity with WFDC, around collection of litter and waste in the High Street, trial recycling (report to follow)
• On going winter works to the parks, bins, and litter twice weekly, maintenance works once weekly.
• Consult and agree report to Services to commission and develop detailed park management plan for Broadwaters as we seek to obtain Green Flag 2025.
• Agreed new SLA for operational services, new agreement to commence 1st April 2024.
• The recent mild weather has brought out the early bulbs in the parks with the daffodils and crocus starting to bloom.

• Replaced broken and damaged slabs and steps at St Marys, following H&S Inspection
• Waterfall operational on 27th January as agreed with Council, next operational dates, 19th March and 6th May 2024
• Floodlights repaired at St Marys following H&S Inspection
• Lengthsman, 2 months remaining with current agreement, new agreement to be agreed April 1st, 2024.

We are currently experiencing vandalism within our parks and public realm, toilet damage, graffiti to both street and park furniture, tree damage, to list a few, all incidents are being reported to the Police.

Attention to detail – Jet washing play, removing algae – St Georges Park

Lengthsman – Clearing Pathways

Graffiti Removal

Clearing Reeds – Broadwaters Pool