General Introduction
The Parks service maintains and improves the natural environment within the District, with due regard to the need to manage the environment in a sustainable way and to ensure at all times the health and safety of facility users and visitors. The maintenance of the natural environment contributes significantly to the visual attractiveness of the district.
It provides and maintains a safe recreational resource for sporting groups, clubs, individuals, events (carnivals, fun days etc) and other users. Implicit in this is the objective of maintaining a high quality of playing facilities, i.e., football, cricket, golf, bowls etc., and areas well prepared for events and activities.
The service works to protect and expand habitats of importance to nature conservation within the District. It provides an educational resource for residents and visitors and helps to develop and promote environmental awareness. Children’s play areas create a wide range of safe and stimulating play opportunities for the development and growth of all children. Finally the service encourages the involvement of the community at all levels, including groups, individuals and general users, in the planning, development and use of public open space.
What we are aiming to achieve
In providing a Parks service to our customers, we will aim to:
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ensure that parks and areas of open space are safe, clean and maintained throughout the year
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provide a comprehensive range of sports and recreational facilities that are well maintained and accessible to all
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keep equipment and facilities maintained to a ‘fit for purpose’ standard
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undertake long-term planning to ensure the sustainable management of public green space and outdoor recreation facilities in accordance with the needs and aspirations of the community
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provide a ranger service to patrol Jephson Gardens and other greenspace
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provide advice to others to help encourage the sustainable management of green space outside of WDC’s ownership, and to undertake and promote environmentally friendly best practice
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meet the needs of those affected by bereavement at a sensitive time and to deliver the principles set out in Charter Mark and Charter for the Bereaved 2000
What our customers can expect
Cleanliness and litter
Waste and litter removal within parks is in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Code of Practice. If the level of cleanliness in a particular park falls below this specified standard, it will be cleansed again as soon as possible
Litter and dog bins will be emptied before they overflow
Graffiti will be removed within 7 days, though any racist and other offensive graffiti will be removed within 24 hours.
Toilets
Toilets will be opened, inspected and cleansed on a daily basis, as and when they are available.
Safety and anti-social behaviour
A Park Ranger Service operates throughout the year, and will inspect and patrol public green space for the safety, and to the well being of park users.
The Council will target problem areas within parks, and work with police and community agencies to resolve issues.
Play Areas and Playground Inspections
All recently upgraded play areas comply with the latest play area safety standards.
The Council aims to provide play areas within an 800m distance to all residential properties as and when parks and open spaces are available and appropriate for this facility.
All play areas are inspected at least once a week, with the larger park play areas inspected more frequently. An annual independent inspection is also carried out to all play areas, skate parks and BMX tracks. All new play sites have a post-installation inspection for safety and DDA compliance.
The Council will respond to 90% of reports of vandalism and dangerous items in play areas within 2 working days
Trees and Tree Inspections
A proactive inspection regime will be implemented to ensure the safety of trees in the district.
We aim to plant more trees than are removed to sustain and enhance the District’s heritage of trees
Burials and Memorial Inspections
We will arrange burials within 3 working days of request, and scattering of ashes within 5 working days
All memorials will be subject to ongoing inspections and made safe when necessary.
Grounds Maintenance
Please see Horticultural Standards for more details of standards for grounds maintenance.
We will respond to 90% of grass cutting related problems within 2 working days.
Byelaws
The Council wants everyone using its parks and open spaces to enjoy them to the utmost, and with this is mind byelaws have been drawn up regulating the behaviour of persons in parks. A copy of the full byelaws can be obtained by contacting the Council on 01926 450000.
The main provisions of the byelaws are that, unless authorised to do so by the Council, a person must not:-
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Bring any vehicle into the open space
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Ride any bicycle or tricycle or similar machine
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Allow any dog belonging to them or in their charge to remain in the open space unless it is under proper control
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Fail to clear up after any dog belonging to them or in their charge which fouls designated parts of the park
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Drive, pitch or chip a hard golf ball except in any area set aside for the playing of golf, pitch and putt or putting
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Ride any horse unless in a designated area
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Post any notice on any wall, fence or tree or on any other structure
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Walk, run, stand, sit or lie on any plant or on any ground in the course of preparation for planting
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Enter any ornamental lake, pond or stream or other water (except specially provided paddling pools), or pollute any such water
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Use a power driven model boat on any area of water
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Sell or hire, or expose for sale or hire, any article
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Erect any tent, booth, stand or building or other structure
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Obstruct, disturb or annoy any other person
Frequently asked questions
Browse the most frequently asked questions about grounds maintenance within parks and open spaces.
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