Agenda item
Mile End Park update
- Meeting of King George's Field Charity Board, Wednesday, 28th November, 2018 7.00 p.m., NEW (Item 3.1)
- View the background to item 3.1
Minutes:
The Board received and noted a report that provided an update on items related to the management of Mile End Park including the planned activities and major maintenance issues.
It also provided an update on the other parks that are within the Board’s responsibilities.
The questions and comments from Members on the report may be summarised as follows:
The Committee:
- Noted that after the death of King George V it was agreed to establish the King George's Fields Foundation to carry the late King's name forward through future generations. The aim being to promote and to assist in the establishment throughout the United Kingdom of playing fields for the use and enjoyment of the people;
- Noted when the King George's Fields Foundation was dissolved in 1965 there were over 400 King George Playing Fields and they are legally protected by Fields in Trust and managed locally by either the Council or a Board of Local Trustees. There are also strict covenants and conditions that ensure that the public will continue to benefit from these open play areas;
- Agreed that there was a need for there to be a thorough review the operation of the Trust including a review of the Membership (e.g. including non-executive councillors; stakeholders and user groups); increased frequency of the Boards meetings; a review of the income and expenditure process; a review of the use of agency staff; considering how to increase the use of volunteers in supporting planned activities; a detailed breakdown on repairs and maintenance;
- Noted the summary set out in Appendix 1 of those activities that have taken place so far in the current year. Including an analysis of the type of events that have taken place at the Mile End Pavilions with the intention of achieving a balance between income generation and free to access events for the public;
- Noted that the activities programmed aim to provide something for all age ranges and families. The urban adventure playground programme being targeted at 10 to 25 year olds, the arts and other workshops younger children and the “stay and play toddler group;
- Noted an update detailed in Appendix 2 on income and expenditure that provided (i) a starting budget; (ii) the spend to date; and (iii) the forecast for the year;
- Noted that the yearly forecast shows a projected over spend of £5,200 in Mile End Park and a projected surplus in Stepney Green giving an overall projected surplus of £20,485. The expenditure it was noted included a sum of £80,000 for repairs and maintenance carried over from 2017-18, delayed in order to check details of works completed; and
· Noted that this was offset by a one off backdated rental income from the Climbing Wall of £100,000.
The Chair moved and it was:-
RESOLVED
The King George’s Field Charity Board:
1. Noted the update on activities in Mile End Park Appendix 1;
2. Noted the update on spend and income Appendix 2; and
3. Agreed for there to be a review of the operation of the Trust.
Supporting documents:
- Mile End Park 28 November 2018 Final main reportv2, item 3.1 PDF 85 KB
- Appendix 1 Mile End Park Activity Update, item 3.1 PDF 65 KB
- Appendix 2 KGFT, item 3.1 PDF 53 KB