Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath.

Members considered a report of the Superintendent providing an update on matters concerning Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park. The following points were made:

·         The Chairman was sad to inform Members that there had been an incident at the weekend resulting in the death of a man at the Men’s Pond. The Committee sent its best wishes and condolences to the family and friends of the man and support to the lifeguards on duty.

·         The Superintendent advised that the Men’s Pond was closed and would not be reopened until the Metropolitan Police had completed their investigations.

Adventure Playground, Preachers Hill Playground and Vale of Health Playground

·         Members were advised that the concept designs would ensure that the playgrounds remain natural using pebbles and timber. It was noted that seal funding would be sought for additional play equipment.

Sports

·         Members were advised that the licencing arrangements of the Parliament Hill Bowling Green were changing to an annual licence which had been drafted and would be discussed at a meeting with the Club tomorrow. This change in licensing would allow for the Corporation to lease out the site to others during the winter months when it was not being used.

Mobility scheme

·         In response to a query from a Member concerning whether the distance from the Lido was a reasonable distance for people with disabilities to access the mobility buggies, the Superintendent confirmed that the Lido was selected for the scheme as it had disabled car park spaces which were very close to the Lido. It was noted that there was no charge for hire, but all users needed to receive instructions of how to use the buggies.

Waste & Recycling

·         Members were advised that a pilot would be carried out at Parliament Hill including the trialling of a couple of bins across the rural parts of the Heath.

30^th Anniversary

·         The Chairman advised Members that an all Court visit to Hampstead Heath had been arranged for 25 June 2019.

·         Members were invited to attend an event hosted by the Heath & Hampstead Society to follow the Committee’s meeting on 11 September 2019 which would be held at the Heath.

Highgate Wood

·         A Member voiced concern that the successful Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid by FOHRK on City land could potentially affect Corporation led HLF bids in the future. The Superintendent that this had now progressed to Gateway 3/4 project through the Projects Sub Committee who would ensure liaison with other bids.

Lido

·         A Member noted that he was made aware of a project costing £140K to repair leaks at the Lido and felt that the Committee should always be made aware of all projects. Members were informed that the Committee were always advised of Gateway projects, but the leak issues had been ongoing for five years acquiring knock-on effects. The Superintendent agreed to keep Members appraised of ongoing projects.        

RESOLVED – That:-

·         Members give their views on the Humanitarian Aid Workers Memorial, as detailed in para 13;

·         Members approve the Queen’s Park Day event (appendix 8), as set out in para 62.