7th February 2008

Kate Morley from Groundwork, wrote to a number of residents who, on their survey said they would like to found out more about the park. These residents were invited to join in a group discussion at Denton Town Hall along with Kate, a landscape architect and members of the Friends Group.

Here is how the evening went....

Granada Park Community Consultation Focus group session

After a brief introduction, the survey results were presented to the group as a starting point for discussion. Various exercises were then done to encourage people to think in more detail about the future of the park.

Topics raised in discussion

Did people backing onto the park respond more than the people farther away?

No park keeper  - Stay in the evening  - Supervision

Some children force others off some facilities i.e. ball court and take over

Dog fouling – an issue, as are stray dogs

People generally feel safe in the park, but during the day

Pavilion under used Footballers use it  - Could this be refurbished?  - Gates are always locked – its people off the bowling green -  Can’t have the pavilion open and still secure the bowling green

Mapping Exercise Likes

• Lots of trees

• I like the fact that it represents a green area

• Only local place to play for children that’s within walking distance

• Like the whole park – dislike none

• Lots of open space

• Trees

• Number of people already using the park

• Open space in a built area

• Path systems

• Trees

• Lovely to have a green open space

• Sports area – but needs improvement

• Play area – but needs cleaning

Mapping Exercise Dislikes

• Poor play ground

• Security lighting

• The unlit and hidden area on Thornley lane south

• Anti-social behaviour

• Bowling green

• Glass and dog mess

• Dogs allowed to run free

• Dated equipment

• Poor facilities

• Dogs off leads

• Paths not flat for bikes

• Bowling green not used – wasted!

• Dog muck and litter

• Footpaths need updating

• Supervision for juniors in park

• Swings area often full of broken glass

• Tennis court area

• Football – more car parking for sat/sun leagues

• Footballers car parking spills over on to Granada road

Wants / improvements / wish list

• Make bowling green into under 8’s play area

• Open toilets • Empty bins regularly

• Multi-use sports court

• Modern / clean / safe children’s play area

• Separate under 8’s & over 8’s play area

• Safe environment for young people to hang out

• Better facilities for all ages, groups and abilities

• Better quality paths

• More activities – maybe organised

• Flora

• Under 8’s play area

• Cycle paths

• Update play equipment / children’s play

• Tennis court

• Ball court

• Restore community pride

• Introduce fun days

• Strategically placed seating around the park

• Assault course – wooden one!

• More children’s play area

• Better utilise area where bowling green is now for young children

• Nature area

• Sports facilities

• Park attendant

• Skateboard area .

• Tarmac area with hopscotch etc on floor

• Climbing wall

• Activity days in summer