Agenda and minutes

            An apology for inability to attend was reported from Councillor Hendron.

            The minutes of the meeting of 12th April were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st May. 

            In respect of item 20, viz. Dunville Park and Woodvale Park Refurbishment, Alderman Humphrey indicated that he was Chair of the Woodvale Park Steering Group. 

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st May, in accordance with Standing Order 11(e), had referred to the Committee the undernoted Notice of Motion which had been proposed by Alderman Rodgers and seconded by Councillor Spence:

      “This Council acknowledges that Association Football is one of the most popular sports for both participants and spectators in the City of Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.  Therefore, the Council expresses its concern at the decision of Ulster Television (UTV) to stop showing highlights of Irish Premier Division football games as part of its news coverage from the beginning of the next soccer season.

      The Council calls upon UTV to reverse this decision in the interest of sport in Northern Ireland.”

            The Committee agreed that the Director of Parks and Leisure would write to Ulster Television and to report back to a future meeting.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            The purpose of this report is to:

(i)           update Members on the development of the Public Health Agency (PHA) funded allotments and community gardens at Musgrave Park;

(ii)         present a draft ‘Growing Communities’ strategy for information and review, which will be tabled for agreement at next month’s Committee meeting;

(iii)       seek Member attendance at an event to mark the opening of the PHA funded demonstration project and launch of the project under the Active Belfast - Active Living theme, at Musgrave Park in June.

            Following a seminar held in March 2011, the Council took the lead on the development of a strategic citywide approach to growing activities – including allotments, community gardens, and Grow-It-Yourself initiatives.

            The wider health and wellbeing benefits of ‘growing your own’ are well documented.  The ‘Growing Communities’ strategy is one of a number of projects from across Northern Ireland  being used to demonstrate how Health Equity in All Policy (HEIAP) works in practice by using it to help align the strategy with the Council’s wider remit to improve the quality of life for all its citizens.

            In February 2012 Committee received an update report on the developing Growing Communities Strategy, the proposed sites for new community gardens and a process for the allocation of allotments.  Since February with assistance from our partner organisations, the Public Health Agency, Belfast Healthy Cities and the Belfast Health Development Unit, work has continued to complete a draft strategy and action plan for the city.

            The current draft of the strategy was provided to the Committee for information and review and it is hoped that we can bring this back to Committee in June for final Committee approval and endorsement.  Officers would welcome feedback or input from Members on the draft strategy prior to the June meeting and are happy to make themselves available to meet with groups or individual members should that be required.

2.         Key Issues

            On 21 June this year, there will be an event at Musgrave Park to open a new community garden and allotment section funded through PHA’s investment under Active Belfast  (Active Living sub- theme).  The event will also provide an opportunity to launch the final draft strategy for public consultation, which will run over the following 12 weeks.

            The draft Growing Communities Strategy has the following vision:

            All people in Belfast will have the opportunity for improved health and wellbeing through involvement in growing activities throughout their lifetimes and within their local neighbourhoods

            The objectives of the strategy are:

-     To support healthier lifestyles by providing growing opportunities to people of all ages;

-     To support and develop communities by building and encouraging ownership of and pride in the cities growing spaces;

-     To work to support environmental sustainability by ensuring that growing spaces and activities contribute positively to the local environment and support the attainment of sustainable development targets set for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

            The Committee noted a schedule of Support for Sport applications in relation to development grants which had been approved by the Director of Parks and Leisure in accordance with the authority delegated to him. 

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

            As detailed in the April 2012 report to Committee on the Tropical Ravine, the Council’s Heritage Grant application for restoration of the Ravine was awarded a first round pass by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) on 27 March.

            HLF has also awarded the Council a £115,000 grant towards projected costs of £127,786 for professional services required to develop the application to final round.  This will include preparation of architectural design work to RIBA Stage D and other specialist services.

            As recommended in the April 2012 report to Committee on proposed tenders, Members approved the procurement and award of tenders for the following in relation to the Tropical Ravine:

Architectural and associated design services to RIBA Stage D             £69,960

Professional Fees Integrated Conservation Management planning      £30,900

Professional Fees Audience Development and Interpretive planning   £15,000

Professional Fees Botanical expertise                                                      £12,000

2          Key Issues

            The Council is only required to undertake architectural design work to RIBA Stage D prior to submission of the final round application.  However, following discussion with HLF, officers wish to seek approval to procure for services beyond this requirement, in order to ensure value for money and effectiveness of future service provision.

            It is proposed that the Council invites tenders for a multi-disciplinary service to be delivered in phases which could include work to RIBA Stage L (post construction) and elements of the other required specialist services, as appropriate.

            Delivery of the first phase of this service (ie those activities required prior to final round submission) would be contracted on award of tender; continuation of this contract for completion of all subsequent phases would be conditional on the success of the final round application.

            Committee is asked to note that the tender will be evaluated on both cost and quality and will be awarded to the most economically advantageous tender.

3          Resource Implications

            Financial

            The estimated value of services to be procured for delivery prior to final round submission remains unchanged at £127,786.  However the value of professional fees required post-RIBA Stage D, should the Council’s final round application be successful, is estimated at £163,240.  It is proposed that tenders are invited for services up to the total estimated value of £291,026, to include tenders for a phased multi-disciplinary service.

            Human Resources

            There will be no additional human resources required at this stage. 

            Asset and Other Implications

            None at this stage.

4          Equality and Good Relations Implications

            There are no implications at this stage.  However, Equality and Good Relations factors will be taken into account in the development of the project.

5          Recommendations

            It is recommended that Members approve the proposed tendering exercises and authorise the Director, under the Scheme of Delegation, to award the successful tenders.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

            At the December 2012 Parks and Leisure Committee, the framework for the new boost membership was agreed and this included offering corporate memberships at a concessionary rate.

            The Parks and Leisure Committee adopted the Scale of Charges for 2012/13 in February 2012 and this included a discounted monthly rate of £20 for corporate memberships.

            The purpose of this report is to discuss and agree the qualifying criteria for corporate membership together with the membership options.

2          Key Issues

            It is proposed that each new company requesting corporate membership will submit their application to the Leisure Operations Manager. To qualify for the corporate rate the company will need a minimum of 5 employees joining the Boost scheme. If the number of employees reduces to 4 or less then all of individual Boost members will have to revert to paying the full Boost monthly price, currently £25, and this will be checked on a monthly basis.

            Centres will be updated on all new companies qualifying for corporate membership, as well as any company that no longer qualifies. A photographic company pass or pay slip, dated within last 2 months will be required for staff to get the corporate rate, and every 6 months Business Support will verify that current corporate members are still in employment by the approved Company.

            It is also proposed that qualifying companies will have two options in relation to corporate membership.

            Option 1 – No company contribution

            The Company does not  pay a contribution towards the membership fees. Employees are self-funding, but benefit from a special company/corporate rate.

            Option 2 – Full / Part company contribution

            This option allows the company to contribute towards their employee's health and fitness. The company pay some or all of the membership fees on behalf of their employees membership:

3          Resource Implications

            Financial

            There were 73 corporate members paying £28.90 per month in March and these have all been converted to the new reduced corporate rate of £20.00. This represents a decrease in monthly income of £649.70 and an additional 32 corporate memberships will be required to mitigate against the loss of this income.

            A comprehensive marketing plan is being developed to actively promote corporate memberships with a target of 100 new memberships being sold this financial year. This will be paid for within existing approved budgets.

            Human Resources

            Officer time will be required to both develop and implement the corporate marketing plan.

            Asset and Other Implications

            None.

4          Equality and Good Relations Considerations

            The revised Boost Membership Scheme will be subject to equality impact screening in line with the Council’s existing procedures.  Stage1 of this has already taken place.

5          Recommendations

            It is recommended that Committee approve the qualifying criteria for new corporate customers and the two membership options for corporate customers.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            The Community Arts Partnership (CAP) was established in 2011 following the merger of New Belfast Community Arts Initiative and Community Arts Forum, and continues to build on the success of these two leading community arts organisations. CAP takes the lead in the promotion and development of community arts practice and supports and collaborates with community groups, schools, artists, the public, arts centres and other organisations in Northern Ireland and beyond.

            CAP is asking for approval to erect a community-led public sculpture at the entrance area of Botanic Gardens, opposite the statue of Kelvin at the main University Road gates. CAP describe this as an iconic piece of public art, developed, designed and produced through community arts participative practice, which will further enhance the relationship between Belfast’s communities and its most iconic Gardens.

            The piece has been constructed from 12 components that make up a 2.4 metre diameter sphere, teed-up slightly on a raised platform allowing ground clearance. CAP has secured all project funding for the development of this sculpture. Ten ‘petals’ of equal size have been developed by ten diverse community groups across Belfast. These groups include; under 16 and over 16 groups, an older people’s group, an Irish language group, an ethnic minority group and groups from socially deprived areas. Each group has developed relief imagery in clay on identical flower petal templates. The templates have then been cast in aluminium. Their size and dimensions are the same but the relief imagery reflects their community and cultural identity. The flower petals join together to create the overall sphere shape, the Belfast Bloom.

            It is anticipated that the piece will be unveiled in a launch bringing together all he groups that have worked on the art piece together with representatives of the Arts Council, Belfast City Council, DCAL and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

            At the last meeting of Committee held on 12/4/12 further information was requested, before a final decision was made regarding permission to install the piece.  The additional information requested has been set out in ‘Key Issues’.

2.         Key Issues

            The key issues for the Committee to note are:

·      Ownership / responsibility - The Art work will be given to the citizens of Belfast.  The Council has been asked to take responsibility for the sculpture and incur the costs for the installation, public liability and maintenance of the new art work.

·      Positioning - The management of Botanic Gardens, along with the Friends of Botanic group have together determined that the best place for the piece is the area adjacent to the entrance. There are a number of reasons for this.  The site has been cleared for new development:

i.      ease of installation

ii.     good drainage

iii.    a prominent position. 

        The piece has been designed to be site specific. Its scale and dimensions have been determined by the area originally proposed.

·      It is anticipated that patrons of the park and the communities that the piece represents, would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

            In March 2012 Audit, Governance and Risk Services completed an audit in Parks and Leisure Department which examined the operation of Facility Management Agreements in Parks and Leisure in the year 2010 -11.  Audit indicated that there were shortcomings in the monitoring and management of the FMAs and a number of recommendations for improvements were made. Parks and Leisure Managers accepted the recommendations and produced an action plan to address the issues, outlining agreed actions, responsible officers and target dates for implementation.  There are currently 18 Facility Management Agreements.

            One of the recommendations was the submission of an evaluation report to Committee each year.  A report was submitted to Committee last year, and the current report will review the year 2011 – 2012.   This report sets out the current position in terms of issues and compliance for the financial year ending March 2012 and actions taken in 2011-12 to mitigate further risks that were identified by Audit.

            Currently as part of the Pitches Strategy, the Committee is reviewing and deciding on the future options for facility management agreements / partnership agreements.

2          Key Issues

            The key issues for 2011-12 regarding compliance and reporting on FMAs were:

·     Usage returns – Clubs have provided their usage returns during the year.  Two are overdue for the month of March 2012 and are being actively managed through the agreed procedures.

·     Cancellations – There were 3,969 football pitch / MUGA bookings take over the year and of these, 149 were cancelled.  The reasons for the pitch cancellations were due to weather conditions or teams failing to field a team.  The patterns regarding cancellations were similar to previous years with a higher number of cancellations occurring during poor weather conditions. 

·   Refusals – In total there were 27 refusals i.e. a booking that could not be accommodated at the time of request.  Twenty two were due to renovations or waterlogged / flooded pitches.  Four were due to lack of facilities on the site concerned for primary schools (toilet and changing facilities).

·     Financial information - Annual accounts have been submitted for 14 out of the 18 Clubs.  The remaining clubs are in the process of finalising their accounts, this is being actively managed.

·     Accidents – Three accidents were reported.  Culpability / negligence by the Clubs does not appear to be a factor in any of these.

·     Vandalism – There were 26 issues of vandalism reported and the incidents have been addressed quickly.  Dog fouling appears to be an ongoing issue on a number of sites and has be passed to the Park Wardens scheme and the Managers concerned to tackle.

·     Complaints – There were 16 complaints received which were mostly due to pitch condition.  These have been addressed and are not reoccurring.

·     Child Protection Incidents – There were no child protection issues.

·     Quarterly Meetings – Almost all the quarterly meetings took place in 2011/12.  There is one quarterly meeting outstanding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            Members are reminded that at its meeting on 10 May 2012, approval was given to change the Parks Events Small Grants Scheme to a monthly assessment running from February to September with a monthly report to Committee outlining the applications and awards.  The Committee also agreed the criteria which were modified to put more emphasis on community involvement in our parks and open spaces and to recognise alignment to other Council schemes.

            Information on the grant scheme was advertised accordingly and the closing date for entries set at 13 April 2012. 

2.         Key Issues

·      The applications were assessed according to the criteria and full details of the applications received and the recommendations for grant awards are presented in Appendix 2.

·      Successful groups will receive 50% of the grant funding before the event takes place subject to the return of a signed ‘letter of offer’ and the remaining balance will be paid on the successful completion of the event and submission of the correct supporting documentation. 

·      It is proposed that the Director of Parks & Leisure under the scheme of delegation is authorised to approve further funding applications and reports will be brought back as required to inform Members of the decisions taken.

·      In each area, the Parks Outreach Managers will continue to work with communities across the city to ensure they are aware of this funding opportunity and are encouraged to avail of the remaining funds. 

3.         Resource Implications

            Financial

            £100,000 was allocated in the revenue estimates to cover this scheme. 

            Human Resources

            There are no additional human resource implications.

            Asset and Other Implications

            The running of community events increases use of the parks creating a sense of ownership and contributing to health and well being.

4.         Equality and good relations implications

            None

5.         Recommendations

            It is recommended that the Committee agree:

·         that the groups listed in Appendix 2 are awarded grants accordingly to organise events in parks during 2012

·         that the Director of Parks and Leisure under the scheme of delegation is authorised to approve further funding applications and reports will be brought back to inform Members of the decisions taken.”

Appendix 2:  List of Applications and Proposed Grants 2012

Successful Applications for Parks Events Small Grants Scheme 2012

            The Committee was reminded that, since 2010, the Ulster Bank Festival had worked in partnership with the Council to provide a successful annual family “Enchanted Evenings” event which had attracted audiences in excess of 10,000 people. 

            The Director of Parks and Leisure reported that a request had been received from the Ulster Bank Festival at Queens seeking funding of £25,000 and permission for the 2012 Enchanted Evening event to take place in the Botanic Gardens as part of its 50th Festival over a period of four evenings from 31st October until 4th November.  The key issues for the Committee to consider were that:

·         the projected audience size would be approximately 10,000;

·         the event proposed would provide entertainment when normally the Gardens were closed;

·         the Festival promoters wished to maintain the entrance fees at £3 per person to enable access by a wide audience;

·         no alcohol would be on sale during the event due to the anticipated family audience;

·         the event would adhere to the Entertainment Licensing requirements;

·         a legal agreement would be provided by the Legal Services Department;

·         consultation would be undertaken by the event organiser with local stakeholders including local residents and adjacent facilities;

·         the event would be subject to the preparation of an event management plan which would include health and safety, access arrangements and compliance with the current Events Policy;

·         the proposed event would be part of the Festival at Queens’ programme and would be included within its marketing and promotion programme.

            The Committee approved the use of the Botanic Gardens for the holding of the Enchanted Evening event in conjunction with the Belfast Festival at Queens and agreed to provide financial support in the sum of £25,000.

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from Newtownabbey Borough Council for the free use of the front car park at the City of Belfast Playing Fields in connection with a park and ride facility for guests attending a Queen’s Jubilee Garden Party at Sentry Hill on Friday 1st June, 2012 from 3.30 p.m. until 8.00 p.m.  It was anticipated that approximately one hundred and twenty cars would be using the car park which would have a minimal impact on users of the playing fields as there was adequate parking facilities within the site considering the reduced number of bookings at this time of the year.  Newtownabbey Borough Council would provide stewarding during the use of the site.

            The Committee was reminded that a similar request had been granted in 2008 as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Newtownabbey Borough Council. 

            The Director of Parks and Leisure reported that, given that the event was due to take place before the Council could ratify any decision of the Committee and the non?controversial nature of the request, he had used the authority granted to him under the Scheme of Delegation to accede to the request from Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Noted.

            The Committee was informed that a request had been received from Feile an Phobail for the use of the Falls Park during the period 6th August until 13th August in connection with the West Belfast Festival.  The Festival organisers had indicated that they might require the use of other Council facilities as the list of events had not yet been finalised.  The Members were reminded that on previous occasions Council venues had been made available for the holding of various events associated with the Festival and that the events would be similar to last year and would include:

·         a carnival parade through the park;

·         a teddy bears’ picnic;

·         a feile family entertainment day in the park, including music events and family entertainment;

·         Ulster Wildlife demonstrations;

·         an occasional licence, which would permit the sale of alcohol and the provision of entertainment during the event, being applied for by the organisers.

            Accordingly, the Director recommended that the Committee approve the application for the use of the Falls Park, and other Council facilities as required, during the period 6th August until 13th August, including set up and site clearance days and that charges, including any additional staff costs incurred, would be applied in line with the Council’s Pricing Policy. 

            The Committee adopted the recommendations, subject to the organisers liaising with the relevant Council Officers and meeting all statutory and legal requirements, including the preparation of appropriate Event Management Plans. 

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

            The department has received several requests from key stakeholders in both Orangefield Park and Victoria Park for free use of the sports pavilions and ancillary facilities.  The following are the list of groups who are interested;-

·   OrangeGrove Athletics Club, Victoria Park

·   Bloomfield Football Club, Orangefield Park

·   Bloomfield Wildlife Watch Group, Orangefield Park

·   Orangefield Friends of Group, Orangefield Park

·   Orangefield Community Association, Orangefield Park

·   Orangefield Bowling Club Activities

     (Orangefield Veteran United)

2          Key Issues

            Council officers have been working with these groups for a while now and there is increasing demand for use of the pavilions outside of the times when normal staffing cover is provided.

            The department would like to pilot new arrangements with some of our dedicated partners in order to develop the use of the pavilions and to provide a better and more convenient customer arrangement to the users involved.

            When the pavilions are not normally staffed it is hoped that key handling arrangements could be put in place – i.e. that these partners will open and close the facilities in line with the club / user requirements, under a legal agreement with the Council, similar to that in place for the out of hours use of our leisure centres.

            Training will be required in relation to all health and safety issues related to the management of the pavilion as well as for safeguarding children and young people also vulnerable adults.

            To ensure there are no double bookings the departments Outdoor Leisure Unit will handle all bookings.

            These pilot partnerships will promote shared space, collaborative working and will improve the use of the facilities which have become under-used over the last 10 years.  As these pilots are in place, the department is also undertaking a complete review of the use of its pavilions in line with our ambitions around increasing participation and improving the customer experience in parks and leisure.

            Members should note that the department will liaise with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency to ensure there is no impact on the area of special scientific interest in relation to training at night in Victoria Park.

3          Resource Implications

            Financial

            There may be cost to the Council for additional electric and water which we should be able to absorb within the parks operational budget for the parks.

            Human Resources

            There are likely to be some additional staff monitoring and planning implications which should be able to be accommodated through our normal management process.

            Asset and Other Implications

            The department is investigating additional support for Friends of Groups on such issues as collective insurance cover, event management and providing training where possible. 

4          Equality and Good Relations Considerations

            All of the proposals currently under consideration within these partnership projects would have positive implications in terms of the promotion of equality and good relations, if undertaken in an inclusive manner.

5          Recommendations

            It is recommended that the Committee grant authority for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

            The purpose of this report is to seek Committee approval to set up and financially support the development of Bike Clubs within Ormeau Park, Orangefield Park and Waterworks Park.  Committee approval and support will enable officers to purchase bicycles, train staff and store the resources securely.   Ormeau Park, Bike Club will specifically cater for the needs of users with a disability or limited mobility and will require the purchase of a variety of adapted bicycles.

            The Bike Club model was piloted within Falls Park in partnership with Suicide Awareness and the Bike Club Development Officer.  This included the successful training of Park Rangers as Mountain Bike Leaders in line with National Standards for Road Cycling Instructors in addition to them gaining bike maintenance qualifications.  This has enabled Falls Park to engage local young people in cycling activities.   Some of the local groups accessing the Falls Park Bike Club include: 

·         Suicide Awareness

·         Healthy Schools Programme (A variety of local primary schools)

·         Falls Women's centre

·         Corpus Christi College

2          Key Issues

            The success of the Falls Park Bike Club has created interest with the department’s Community Park Managers and Community Parks Outreach Managers who now wish to replicate the Bike Club model within other community parks across the city.  Initial planning has identified Ormeau, Orangefield and Waterworks Parks as suitable locations.

·         Ormeau Park neighbours the National Cycle Network route which runs along the Lagan Tow-path. 

·         Orangefield Park is integrated with the Connswater Community Greenway and home to the only cycle track within N.Ireland (currently used by Cycling Ulster). 

·         Waterworks Park is a proposed greenway route to aid active travel modes e.g. Walking and cycling. (Active Travel Strategy N.I bid to Department of Regional Development)

            The development of Bike Clubs within each park will promote physical activity with local residents and schools to encourage active and sustainable travel.  This all fits with the developing Active Belfast approach.

            The Ormeau Park Bike Club has already been established and includes four special needs schools namely: Glenveagh, Fleming Fulton, Park School and Torr Bank.  A steering group was formed comprised of representatives from each school and the Bike Club Development Officer.  The steering group applied for grant funding and was successful, acquiring £8000 from the Bike Club scheme.

            Some of this funding was used to train up staff and parents to deliver disability cycling sessions and workshops within Ormeau Park.  An outline of what Bike Club is and its purpose is set out below;-

            Bike Club description:

·        A pool of trained cycle and maintenance leaders to plan and deliver progressive cycling sessions and promote wider learning outcomes for users

·        Engagement with statutory and voluntary agencies, communities organisations, local residents and schools to access the unique resource

·        A physical resource of bicycles, adapted cycles, maintenance tools, safety equipment and where needed secure storage.

            Aims and Objectives:

·         To support Active Travel for Belfast residents through cycle training and club based activities.

·         To provide opportunities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure reminded the Committee that a Titanic Memorial Garden and associated landscaping at the East Entrance of the City Hall had been opened officially on 15th April, the one hundredth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.  He advised that staff from the Landscape, Planning and Development Unit and the Gardening Team North had been instrumental in designing and developing the memorial garden.  In particular, the Landscape Planning and Development Unit had undertaken significant research to compile the “Belfast List” which contained the names of all those who had perished and these were engraved upon the memorial plinth’s fifteen bronze plaques.

            The Committee noted the information and agreed that an invitation be extended to the relevant staff to attend a future meeting to receive appreciation from the Members.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

            At its meeting in February 2011 Committee were made aware that the National Playing Fields Association (Fields in Trust) had launched the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. The challenge is an officially endorsed legacy initiative to mark the two landmark events scheduled to take place in the UK in 2012; HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics. The programme aims to permanently protect 2012 playing fields in communities all across the country ensuring access to outdoor sport, play and recreation both now and for future generations.

            At the June 2011 Committee a number of sites were considered and based on Legal Services consideration only two sites were considered eligible to participate in the initiative and were subsequently nominated. The sites were Orangefield Park and Lagan Meadows.  A Save a Space for Me online campaign was launched in October 2011 encouraging people to support their outdoor spaces to be protected as part of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.

            Over 20,000 people from councillors, members of the public and sports leaders showed their support for our parks with over 10,000 web visits recorded on the day of the launch alone. It was a close contest but in the end Orangefield Park won over Lagan Meadows by 3 votes.

            Committee were advised that there are estates and legal issues which have to be considered by Fields in Trust and the council as a result of Orangefield being part of the Connswater Community Greenway project and flood alleviation scheme which will result in significant work to the park with funding from Big Lottery. The council will ensure that entering into a deed of dedication will not compromise its ability to deliver the necessary development work in the park required by the Connswater Community Greenway project and flood alleviation scheme. This work will be done in consultation with East Belfast Partnership Board as part of the Connswater Community Greenway programme.

            At the February 2012 meeting of the Parks and Leisure Committee were advised that the minutes of the previous months’ meetings had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February and furthermore, under the heading ‘Fields in Trust Challenge’, at the request of Councillor Robinson, the Council agreed that the Friends of Orangefield Park be included in future discussions around the nature of events to celebrate the Park’s dedication.

2          Key Issues

            Officers from Belfast City Council’s Legal Services and Estates have been working with Fields in Trust to draft the Deed of Dedication. This work is progressing and has included the provision of maps showing boundaries and the exchange of draft documents with Fields in Trust.

            In consultation with Fields in Trust, officers have sought clarification on what is expected regarding the naming of the site. Fields in Trust have responded by stating that they are not expecting Council to change the name but it will carry the additional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

            The Committee was informed that, at its meeting on 14th September, 2011, the Development Committee had agreed to support a Cow Parade public art event in Belfast in 2012 as part of the City Dressing Presentation Campaign.  The Cow Parade is the largest and most successful public art event in the world with over fifty cities participating in the campaign, raising over £25 million for its charity partners. 

            The Assistant Director of Parks and Leisure advised the Committee that the City’s participation in the Cow Parade would be an opportunity to enforce its role as a gateway to Northern Ireland and to strengthen the Council’s community engagement activity in partnership with Derry City Council.  It was proposed that some of the City’s fifteen Cows would be positioned within Parks and Leisure sites, including the Holywood Arches, the Botanic Gardens, the Ormeau Park, the Dr. Pitt Memorial Park and the Waterworks and that consultation would take place with the “Friends of” Groups where applicable.  

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.       Relevant Background Information

            Belfast Zoo runs a number of events each year, which are used to increase visitor numbers to the site, as opportunities to provide new experiences to visitors, and as unique marketing opportunities.

            The Zoo has been approached by NI Opera, following the success of its sell-out, site-specific Tosca (Derry, 2011), and in partnership we intend to produce the opera ‘Noye’s Fludde’ in the Zoo, a natural fit and unique venue for this opera in which animals play a crucial part.

            ‘Noye’s Fludde’, originally written in 1958, is a much-loved, 50-minute long children’s opera by Benjamin Britten. The piece is based on the well-known Biblical Flood story.

            The opera features three professional singers, eight child solo singers, and around 70-80 child chorus. As well as this, the score demands nine professional players and 50 child instrumentalists, who play instruments ranging from recorders to violins.  Britten specified that all the children should be amateurs in order to maximise the opportunities for young people, and was also keen that the children should design and make the colourful animal costumes which they wear, another unique way in which the children’s creativity is fostered in the piece.

            There will be eight performances spread across two weekends in August 2012, at 18:00 hrs on two Fridays, at 14:30 and 18:00 hrs on two Saturdays, and at 14:30 hrs on two Sundays.  The production will incorporate dozens of local school-children from all parts of the community, including the Chinese community. These children will have been rehearsed in a series of workshops in the months preceding the performances.

            The event will form part of the Cultural Olympiad celebrations and Festival of Summer 2012, and it will be one of the main featured events in the Festival in Northern Ireland.

            The KT Wong Foundation is supporting this production by facilitating NI Opera’s first appearance beyond the British Isles. The production will take part in the UK Now Festival and in the Beijing Music Festival, China’s oldest and most prestigious music festival. Plans are also being put in place to perform at Beijing Zoo.

            The show will be revived using the same design produced in Belfast, but on a larger scale (reflective of the much greater size of the Beijing venues), with the designer, director and cast travelling to China to re-mount the work. While the amateur chorus and players will be made up of Chinese children, the production will therefore retain the original flavour of the Northern Ireland production.

            Discussions are also beginning to foster not only musical and operatic links between the two countries, but also scientific and zoological ones. Queens University Belfast and Beijing University already have contacts in relation to animal psychology studies, and we will also investigate the opportunities to enhance relationships between the two zoos.

2.         Key Issues

            As part of its events programme for 2012, the Zoo intends to partner with NI Opera and stage eight performances of Benjamin  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

            Arising from the discussion, the Members expressed concern about the recent security breach which had occurred at the Zoo and requested that a report on the incident and the current security measures in place be submitted to a future meeting and the Zoo Manager be requested to attend that meeting to answer any queries which might be put by the Members.  Furthermore, the Committee requested that the Members’ Development Steering Group give further consideration as to how Members, in general, could be kept apprised/updated promptly about ongoing and emerging issues such as that which had occurred at the Zoo.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 9th June, 2011, it had granted authority to the Director of Parks and Leisure to authorise officers to engage in further inter-departmental discussions on the development of either community-led or Council-led programmes or activities over the summer period and to open any park and/or leisure site/venue, or part thereof, where appropriate, in order to accommodate organised programmes or activities during the holiday period. 

            The Director of Parks and Leisure reported that there was further work ongoing across the Council to develop programmes which could help relieve any heightened community tensions over the summer period.  He pointed out that, by supporting summer intervention activities, it was likely that the Council would be required to be involved in either leading in the delivery of organised programmes or supporting community-led programmes.  That might require the opening of Council-owned sites and leisure centres which, the Committee had agreed previously could be closed on certain key dates. 

            Accordingly, the Director requested that the Committee grant him delegated authority to:

1.    authorise officers to engage in further inter-departmental discussions on the development of either community-led or Council-led programmes or activities over the summer period; and

2.    open any park and/or leisure site/venue, or part thereof, where appropriate, in order to accommodate organised programmes or activities during the holiday period.

            The Committee granted the authority sought.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report on the current progress with the refurbishment of the Mary Peters Track which indicated that the track area was scheduled to be completed by November, 2012 and that the stand would be completed by January, 2013, which would enable the facility to be operational by March, 2013.   

            A Member raised a question in respect of accommodating the media during the forthcoming Police and Fire Games and the Director undertook to ensure that adequate facilities would be provided for that purpose.

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted, for the Committee’s consideration, the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

            The Committee is asked to note that the contract is about to be issued in respect of Woodvale Park, the Grant Letter of Offer from DSD is due and once received the contract documentation can be issued. 

            The tenders in respect of Dunville Park have been received and will be evaluated with a contract scheduled to be let mid May. 

            Whilst there has been some delay at the tender stage work is still scheduled to be completed at both locations in March 2013. 

            As members will be aware these works are the first major refurbishment schemes in our Parks estate for many years.  The projects have been progressed as regeneration schemes with the aim of improving the quality of life of those who live within the surrounding neighbourhood.  Once the physical works are complete it is important the progress is sustained.  Central to the delivery of the outcomes and benefits associated with the refurbishment of the parks is how we manage them in the future.

            Officers have been working with community representatives at both parks during the development of the schemes.  The engagement has worked well and good working relationships have been established.  To build on this, it is proposed that we consider post refurbishment management options.  This report sets out an outline of how we might move this forward..

2          Key Issues

            Management Options

            In undertaking the refurbishment of Dunville and Woodvale Parks the Council in partnership with Belfast Regeneration Office and the local community wish to make a positive impact on the quality of life of the surrounding neighbourhood.  The objectives of the refurbishment schemes include:

·         Making the park a safer place and using the asset to contribute to a safer environment;

·         Encouraging greater use of the park and contributing to improving health and well being in the neighbourhood;

·         Using the asset as appropriate to help support the local economy.

·         Underpinning these is the strong desire to involve the community more positively in the management of the park and the delivery of its outcomes. 

            Management Options

            There are a number of options which may be considered, the following list is not prohibitive or exhaustive and is intended as indicative and to invoke further thought.  The main options might be:

·         Option 1       BCC undertake the management of Park

                       without Community  involvement

·         Option 2A    Community based organisation undertakes the

                       Management of the park – this may take the form

     of a social enterprise company

·         Option 3       Management is outsourced to an external

                       organization other than the council such as a

Joint Venture Partnership or Private Sector

Provider

·         Option 4       BCC Management with a Reconstituted Friends

                       Group

·         Option 5       A Neighbourhood Management Committee with

                       clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

            Proposed Approach

            It is proposed the options be presented to a wider stakeholder group in the form of a consultation process with the local community and that this process be undertaken in two  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

            Arising out of the discussion the Committee agreed that regular reports would be submitted in respect of progress with the Pitches Strategy.