Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

The Committee received a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath that provided an update on management and operational activities across Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park since the Committee’s last meeting in March 2015.

Firstly, the Committee expressed their thanks to all Heath staff for dealing with the recent tragic death at the Men’s Pond with care and consideration.

Members were then provided with updates on the following matters:

Lido

Scaffolding would be removed from the Café roof on 27 May and works were due to be completed on 29 May. A non-slip safety surface was to be installed at the paddling pool also on 29 May.

Events

1,200 spectators were present at a successful Night of the 10,000 metre Personal Bests on 16 May. The winning time of the Men’s event was just 28 minutes and 40 seconds.

In response to a Member’s question, the Public Relations Officer would look into the possibility of a Members update so all Members of the Court of Common Council were aware of upcoming events at the Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park.

In response to another Member’s question, the Superintendent advised that the events diaries had generated a good amount of donations during the Easter fairs and at the tennis hut but that better facilities for people to put their donations were required elsewhere.

Heath Hands

The 2014/15 data for Heath Hands’ volunteer hours would be circulated by the Superintendent after the meeting.

Conservation and Ecology

The wildflower meadows on Dukes Field, the Heath Extension and the Old Hockey Pitch had struggled due to the cold and dry weather in April 2015.

Parliament Hill

Refurbishment of the tennis courts had been completed and they would re-open to the public on 25 May.

In response to a Member’s question, the Superintendent advised that the strategic view area at Kite Hill had not yet been marked but this would be discussed in the upcoming meeting with the Heath and Hampstead Society, who were providing a capital contribution for a new sign at the site. Work on the site would start in autumn 2015, after the busy summer period.

Ranger Team

A sink hole appeared near the Vale of Health on 24 April and investigations were currently being completed in consultation with the City Surveyor’s Department.

Swimming

The recent underwater survey at the Men’s Pond diving board indicated that the jetty was strong enough but plates needed to be fitted and a frame installed. It was hoped that the Men’s Pond diving board would be back in use by the time of the next Swimming Forum in June 2015.

Queen’s Park

A Member noted the success of the newly installed donations box in the Children’s Farm. The Superintendent added that similar boxes would be installed at the Golders Hill Park Zoo, as well as the Lido paddling pool. Members noted that there was already a donations box in the Butterfly House at Golders Hill Park.

RESOLVED – That the Superintendent’s update report be noted.