Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead Parks and open spaces in the Royal Borough attract around 6.8 million visits a year and a new improvement plan aims to make them even more attractive in the future.

A report to tomorrow's cabinet meeting (Thursday September 21) proposes a Parks and Open Spaces Improvement Plan 2006/08 and, if approved, it will co-ordinate future improvement schemes, making the best possible community use of Section 106 contributions and building on this year's achievements at Maidenhead's Desborough Park and Punt Hill and Windsor's Osgood Park and Vansittart Recreation Ground.

The Maidenhead council looks after 58 parks and open spaces – and as a result of improvements made already and those proposed over the next two years a number of them could also be put forward for national Green Flag recognition. This is the country-wide national quality assurance mark that encourages park owners and keepers to reach high management and environmental standards for the benefit of users.

In line for future improvements are a number of parks and open spaces, including Braywick Park and Oaken Grove in Maidenhead, and Home Park and Imperial Road Playing Fields in Windsor. Also on the cards is the installation of a disabled fishing platform at Ray Mill Island, funded by the Environment Agency.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said the important of parks in the community could not be over estimated.

He said: "We are very fortunate in the Royal Borough to have a wealth of countryside and river landscapes to enjoy but it is essential to have public access to green spaces and play facilities on their own doorsteps. Parks contribute to the environment of our towns and villages and to the fitness and well-being of people of all ages and abilities. We must strive to maintain and improve our parks for generations to come.

"Developers' contributions are enabling the borough to take forward a positive programme at no cost to local council taxpayers and the proposed improvement plan will enable us to make the most effective use of this valuable source of funding for the benefit of local residents."

Cabinet is also being asked to approve a review of the many rules, regulations and bye-laws covering Maidenhead local parks and open spaces over the next two years so they are co-ordinated and take into account the views of park users as well as the most up-to-date best practice from, trade, sports, environmental and other organisations.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead