Agenda item

Progress report for the previously completed Outdoor Play Provision review.

Consideration was given to the assessments of progress on the implementation of the recommendations from the Committee’s previously completed review of Outdoor Play Provision.

Presented by the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) Head of Environment, Leisure & Green Infrastructure, this was the first progress update following the Committee’s approval of the Action Plan in June 2024.  Noting that the first stage of the new Outdoor Play Provision Strategy 2025 (setting out key principles which the Committee’s review helped establish) was agreed by SBC Cabinet earlier in July 2025, key developments in relation to the agreed actions were highlighted as follows:

·       Recommendation 1 (SBC ensures both revenue and renewal considerations are an intrinsic part of any existing and future outdoor play space proposal within the Borough to maximise the long-term sustainability of such sites): All play areas had been assessed and tables developed identifying individual items of equipment at each site, the play value of each item, its life expectancy, and replacement costs (including surfacing).  During the collation of the first stage strategy paper that was presented to Cabinet in July 2025, intensive work was undertaken around estimated costs, with the new strategy containing several principles designed to address revenue and renewal considerations – this recommendation was therefore deemed ‘fully achieved’.

·       Recommendation 3 (Regarding future proposals by developers for new outdoor play spaces, SBC does not adopt any site installed by a developer which contravenes the key outcomes from this review): The new strategy contained several principles designed to address developer site adoption – this recommendation was therefore deemed ‘fully achieved’.

·       Recommendation 4 (SBC considers support of existing play areas before any additional outdoor play spaces are agreed / approved): The new strategy contained several principles designed to support existing play areas before new spaces were agreed – this recommendation was therefore deemed ‘fully achieved’.

·       Recommendation 5 (Regarding inequality of outdoor play provision across the Borough, SBC clarifies where it is deemed there is little / no provision and possible steps to address these inequalities (including, in exceptional cases, the provision of new play spaces): The new strategy highlighted areas of inequalities and over-provision.  Following Cabinet’s decision, SBC officers were preparing the second stage of the strategy document (with the intention of presenting this to Cabinet in October 2025) which would identify specific sites in which to invest, and which may be decommissioned at the end of equipment life.

The Committee asked if a deadline for achieving this recommendation could be confirmed and were informed that this would be addressed in the second stage report to Cabinet in October 2025.

·       Recommendation 6 (As part of a required rationalisation process in relation to the existing outdoor play offer:

a)    Informed by the recent (March 2024) RoSPA assessments and an analysis of the distribution of existing outdoor play provision, proposals for the removal / repurposing of sites be developed with the aim of reducing pressure on the overall parks budget): The new strategy contained several principles designed to manage the Council’s assets in a sustainable manner.  In July 2025, Cabinet resolved that the requirement of additional revenue funding of £150,000 per annum from 2026-2027 onwards be noted – this would enable the Council to retain approximately 30-35 play areas in good condition, in addition to the new play area at Stockton waterfront urban park.  Approximately 7-12 play areas would be subject to removal of play equipment at end-of-life and repurposing of sites for recreational open space.  Funding would be considered as part of the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Update & Strategy report to Council in February 2026.

c)     Further detail be provided around the anticipated longer-term maintenance requirements of the new Stockton waterfront park and the impact that this may have on the available funds for maintaining other existing outdoor play spaces): An inspection and maintenance package was being negotiated with the play park contractor – this would form a multi-year package purchased up front using a capital allocation.  It was noted that the new Stockton waterfront park was not included within the coverage for the proposed additional revenue funding of £150,000 per annum from 2026-2027 onwards (see sub-section a) above).

The Committee expressed surprise at this update, questioning why maintenance costs were not included in the original negotiations involving the new Stockton waterfront park.  It was agreed that clarity would be sought from the relevant SBC department and forwarded to the Committee after this meeting.

d)    With due regard to the SBC Powering Our Future initiative, appropriate consultation (particularly with Stockton Parent Carer Forum and SBC Ward Councillors) is conducted around any proposed changes to existing outdoor play provision): Consultation was embedded for new play provision, and the Council would consult with stakeholders when considering outcomes for specific sites affected by the new strategy principles.  During discussions at its meeting in July 2025, Cabinet requested that consultation / engagement took place with young people regarding any proposed changes to existing outdoor play provision – SBC officers duly committed to this.

Giving thanks for the information provided, the Committee requested that the next update on progress of the outstanding actions be presented as soon as possible following the consideration of the second stage strategy document by Cabinet.

AGREED that the Outdoor Play Provision progress update be noted, the assessments for progress be confirmed as stated, and further information be provided as requested.