Agenda item

Report of the Director of Open Spaces.

Members noted that West Ham Park is a 77 acre award winning park in East

London owned and managed by the City of London Corporation. It receives 1.3 million visitors per year and is the largest green space in the London Borough of Newham. The playground and paddling pool are popular facilities with

383,000 visitors being recorded in 2016.

In response to a query it was noted that a playground has been provided in West Ham Park since 1937. The last refurbishment took place in 1986 when all equipment was replaced and safety surface added. Members were also informed that a master plan was created in 2010 and 10 items of equipment were replaced with external funding. The remaining 15 items of equipment are now over 20 years old and require urgent replacement. The 2010 master plan does not reflect the changes in play design and safety standards that have taken place in the intervening years. Therefore a complete strategy refresh is required in order to meet those changes and provide a facility that is fit for purpose.

Officers informed Members that the playground contains a supervised paddling pool which has been provided since 1966 and is currently open daily in the summer. The cost of supervising the paddling pool with a first aid qualified member of staff and the maintenance costs associated with its upkeep mean that its future is being considered and alternative methods of water play sought.

Resolved – That Members approved the gateway 1 and 2 proposals.