Document Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Update

The Committee was provided with an update on matters relating to Runnymede Pleasure Grounds and approval was sought for a supplementary budget from the Trust reserves, to enable the full refurbishment of toilet facilities.

Members were advised that the procurement process to replace the paddling pool with a new splash pad facility was planned to commence in the later part of the 2024/25 financial year.  A further report would be submitted should cost exceed the sum budgeted for.

In respect of the play area, a combination of the Trust’s reserves and Section 106 contributions had funded a new fence, roundabout, two see-saws and surfacing repairs.  Any further improvements were reliant on there being sufficient income primarily from parking.

Officers advised that upgrading the pavilion and toilet block would cost more than originally envisaged for which a supplementary budget was required.  The Committee was content with the reasons given for this as set out in the report and it was anticipated that works would be completed by the end of the current financial year.

The Café lease was a work in progress and colleagues in Assets were asked to provide one Member with further details.

Plans to install CCTV linked directly to Safer Runnymede were on-going.  It was agreed this would be a positive benefit for the site to deter anti-social behaviour and provide greater re-assurance about on site security.  Officers were asked to re-look at the possibilities of using solar panels for the electricity supply to CCTV on site.  It was noted that a further report on this would be submitted depending on the predicted cost of implementation.

Improvements to the car park surface had been undertaken earlier in the year and further works around the barrier and a review of the current ANPR system would take place in the next financial year.

Members noted the current level of the Trust’s reserves, and agreed that the priority was to focus on the quality of the water play infrastructure and CCTV.

Resolved that –

This Committee, sitting as the Trustees of Runnymede Pleasure Grounds Trust, approves a supplementary estimate in the sum (as reported), to be taken from Trust reserves, to enable commencement with the full refurbishment of toilet facilities at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.