Rosefield Park improvements

[seanie]

Rosefield Park 2010 improvements A2 500 (1).pdf

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An improvement plan has been drawn up for Rosefield Park and the Council's looking for feedback. They're suggesting a Multi-use Games Area and that's cropped up in previous consultations.

[Franck]

Looks good, but a few observations-

The plan suggests new railings on Rosefield Place, the majority of that side of the park is a wall...are they suggesting removing the wall, or does this refer to the gate entrance and the 10ft of railings adjacent to that?

The removal of the plants has already started, will all the bushes be removed?Would be a shame if that was the case.

The siting of the multi use area is very boggy, drainage would be required.

I see after the fiasco of the culvert they have hidden the flooding that is now prone with 'aquatic planting'...

[Maria]

Looks good, but a few observations-

The plan suggests new railings on Rosefield Place, the majority of that side of the park is a wall...are they suggesting removing the wall, or does this refer to the gate entrance and the 10ft of railings adjacent to that?

The removal of the plants has already started, will all the bushes be removed?Would be a shame if that was the case.

It's just new railings Franck. The wall will be remaining.

The bushes will be thinned out. Self seeded stuff will be removed and specimen plants such as mahonia and laurel will be kept, though some need a bit of pruning back into shape.

[Franck]

Looks good, but a few observations-

The plan suggests new railings on Rosefield Place, the majority of that side of the park is a wall...are they suggesting removing the wall, or does this refer to the gate entrance and the 10ft of railings adjacent to that?

The removal of the plants has already started, will all the bushes be removed?Would be a shame if that was the case.

It's just new railings Franck. The wall will be remaining.

The bushes will be thinned out. Self seeded stuff will be removed and specimen plants such as mahonia and laurel will be kept, though some need a bit of pruning back into shape.

Good stuff.They have improved the park over the last few years (excluding culvert nonsense) will be interesting to see how things progress.

[Bob Jefferson]

The multi-use sports arena is something I have been advocating since 2005 and I think this is an ideal location for it, as long as the drainage problem can be addressed.

[wangi]

Anyone know why the railings need to be replaced, rather than stripped back, repaired when necessary and repainted. My recollection is they're in not too bad condition?

[Maria]

I haven't examined the railings in Rosefield Place, but I was part of a group of local residents that met up in the Park along with officials from the Parks dept, when they were starting to put this improvement plan together and we looked at the railings on the West Brighton Crescent boundary wall. Those were certainly beyond repair.

[Franck]

The multi-use sports arena is something I have been advocating since 2005 and I think this is an ideal location for it, as long as the drainage problem can be addressed.

One issue that might arise is accessability for all.I've noticed recently more larger groups of da yoof hanging about in the park of an evening...to the extent that my kids don't go round as much.I'd hate for something new to become a magnet for them making use by younger kids harder...

[seanie]

I hear that the Brighton and Rosefield Residents' Association will be advising the Council that the games court would not be welcome in Rosefield Park.

[Pal of Porty]

I hear that the Brighton and Rosefield Residents' Association will be advising the Council that the games court would not be welcome in Rosefield Park.

Perhaps PPAG were the inspiration!

[Maria]

I hear that the Brighton and Rosefield Residents' Association will be advising the Council that the games court would not be welcome in Rosefield Park.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make the recent AGM and am disappointed to hear that there seems to be a lack of support for the games area. Frankly, I would have thought that many people, especially those with kids, would welcome this facility. I certainly think it's a good idea. I can't be the only one surely?

[Bob Jefferson]

I hear that the Brighton and Rosefield Residents' Association will be advising the Council that the games court would not be welcome in Rosefield Park.

Based on the opinions of how many people I wonder? I didn't attend the AGM and I doubt that many people did. These arenas are great. The one along at West Granton has been there for a number of years now and still looks brand new. They are virtually indestructible. I understand Franck's concerns. When you have a younger child, the older ones always appear to be dangerous monsters, but then your kid becomes one of the older ones and you realise they aren't that bad after all. But I think these things tend to sort themselves out. The younger kids would probably use it after school and up until tea-time and the older kids will move in and claim it later on. But it would also be something that local groups like the Boys Brigade, Brownies, Woodcraft Folk etc could make good use of, and some of us local adults might be up for the odd game of basketball or football as well.

In many ways it's an ideal location and I remain very supportive of the idea.

[seashell]

I hear that the Brighton and Rosefield Residents' Association will be advising the Council that the games court would not be welcome in Rosefield Park.

Based on the opinions of how many people I wonder? I didn't attend the AGM and I doubt that many people did. These arenas are great. The one along at West Granton has been there for a number of years now and still looks brand new. They are virtually indestructible. I understand Franck's concerns. When you have a younger child, the older ones always appear to be dangerous monsters, but then your kid becomes one of the older ones and you realise they aren't that bad after all. But I think these things tend to sort themselves out. The younger kids would probably use it after school and up until tea-time and the older kids will move in and claim it later on. But it would also be something that local groups like the Boys Brigade, Brownies, Woodcraft Folk etc could make good use of, and some of us local adults might be up for the odd game of basketball or football as well.

In many ways it's an ideal location and I remain very supportive of the idea.

There is one at the Hough in Musselburgh, which had play equipment for younger children outside the fencing - so both groups catered for. Older kids are generally very poorly catered for and then people complain because they are wandering aimlessly around the streets. These arenas are brilliant.

[Puerto bella]

I seem to recall the basketball/ skatepark original proposals for the paddling pool site (now a very empty setting for some columns) that were decided on by a large group of locals at the planning for real exercise were poo-poo'd by a few people living adjacent to it and so never happened. Maybe time to revive as there is still a huge demand for this sort of facility. Daisy Park or Straiton Place Park could provide an ideal basketball or skatepark facility - one of each in each park?

[Bazza]

I'm also a local resident, and I think it'd be a wonderful idea! That bit of the park is kind of dead space just now anyway.
For some reason, they always schedule the AGM when I've got other things arranged....

[Bob Jefferson]

I'm guessing that the number of local residents who have already declared in favour of the proposal easily outnumber those who attended the AGM and made the decision to object to it.

[Porty]

Hopefully the supporters will submit individual letters and we will have another example of a group at odds with the opinions of those they purport to represent.

Can someone provide a link to feedbacK?

[Pal of Porty]

I was totally shocked when I read of the Association's resistance to this scheme but when I think through it logically and look at some of the key individiuals who are members of this group then their opposition is pretty logical really. They have tried to screw up the education of our children so they may as well go the whole 9 yards and try and inhibit their play opportunities. The way it is going - a few years down the line you will have to take contraception before you are allowed to move into the Portobello area!

P.S. This was a thriving park with tennis courts and a putting green long before many of the current residents moved into the area. Bring it all back again.

[Bob Jefferson]

I would suggest that people email Scott Thomson directly and copy in their local councillors. Scott is the Community Parks Officer for this patch, he lives locally and has kids himself. I've had dealings with him in the past and always found him to be very obliging.

scott.thomson@edinburgh.gov.uk

[Franck]

I'm divided on this one.It's a lovely park but that particular area is under-used.The kids deserve somewhere to hang out and sometimes the playpark is used by kids of an age that probably shouldn't, but that's down to a lack of amenities for them.Otoh, it could become a magnet for kids from all over, with potential for things to get out of hand.I know my wife would feel less happy about walking our dog if a group of teenagers were hanging about after dark...meaning I'd have to do more dog walking!
If it was well lit with a remote camera (that works) I think I'd be inclined to support it.Otherwise I'll abstain.I can appreciate anyone in WBC that protests as it will guarantee more groups of noisy kids strolling along their strasse.

[Bob Jefferson]

I've just had confirmation that the arena is not likely to happen unless we can demonstrate that there IS local support for it, so if you are in support then please email Scott to let him know and look out for a questionnaire on the matter to be distributed soon. Also looking for local kids to help organise a petition at their schools. PM if you can help.

[Peter Bradley]

Look, it's simple. We dont want children using the park - I mean they have bus stops and streets and those Zbox thingies to play with and encouraging them to run around in a park is .........well its just not on!
I seem to remember being told that not long ago the police were called in to move on a rowdy bunch of primary children who were running and jumping and laughing and shouting - all totally unacceptable behaviour in our parks.
Good for you BRRA - cant we use the money for a "child catcher" a la Chitty Chitty Bang Bang instead.

[Bob Jefferson]

I have quickly knocked together a petition sheet. If you and your family support the proposal you could print it and talk to your child(ren) about it. If they wish, they could then ask their friends if they would like to sign it. You can sign it too of course, and remember to put your age! Completed sheets can be handed to Emily P6c or Etta P6a (hope this is ok?) at Towerbank. Hopefully, parents and children at other local schools can organise something themselves.

A reminder that the drawing for Rosefield Park, showing the MUGA in position, is in the first post of this thread.

muga.pdf

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[Puerto bella]

Good idea, thanks - have printed one off and have 3 signatures already.

[Franck]

I have quickly knocked together a petition sheet. If you and your family support the proposal you could print it and talk to your child(ren) about it. If they wish, they could then ask their friends if they would like to sign it. You can sign it too of course, and remember to put your age! Completed sheets can be handed to Emily P6c or Etta P6a (hope this is ok?) at Towerbank. Hopefully, parents and children at other local schools can organise something themselves.

A reminder that the drawing for Rosefield Park, showing the MUGA in position, is in the first post of this thread.

muga.pdf

Right, I've considered all the evidence and decided to try and offer support.I'll print one off and get my lad to knock on doors in Adelphi Place/Rosefield Place...harder to say no to a 7 year old than a 37 year old.

Main reason I'm supporting?...I hate seeing unelected local groups with disproportionate influence swaying how projects in the town I call home are implemented.

[Pal of Porty]

The irony here for me is that the proposals look really good. They have sensibly positioned the play area in the corner of the park that is least used and furthest away from neighbouring houses. They are simply improving what is already a well used and well loved park.

The powers that be must be seriously brassed off trying to spend money in Portobello as everything they try do generates some level of objection. They even got criticised for re-newing all the pavements, which were in a very bad state of repair.

[Bob Jefferson]

Thanks Franck, much appreciated. Like I said, I understand your reservations and we must ensure that it doesn't become a focal point for anti-social behaviour. Right behind you on that.

[Porty]

Main reason I'm supporting?...I hate seeing unelected local groups with disproportionate influence swaying how projects in the town I call home are implemented.

I was once Co- chair of BRA, we met once a year, less than 10 attendees.

Prior to the most recent AGM, Diana Cairns was Chair, not sure if she still is. From what I understand this years AGM took place in conjuction with a social event and had about 8 attendees. Not exactly representative of the immediate locale. I trust the "powers at be" are aware that the group. in terms of being represetntative, are an irrelevance.

[Mark Cameron]

Isn't it strange (and frustrating) that time and time again the same names seem to be cropping up as objectors to change in Portobello!

I support the plans for change in Rosefield and have posted a link to this thread on the 'Porty People' facebook site plus sent it to the 'Portydads' group to let a wider section of the community have the opportunity to consider this proposal.

[Bob Jefferson]

A letter from James Hunter, Local Environment Manager concerning the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) has been distributed to local residents recently. He would like to ascertain whether or not there is community backing for the MUGA. You should have a form to complete, asking simply whether or not you agree with the proposal. This form should then be handed in to Portobello Library. There are spare forms at the Library, in case you didn't get one. I only got one form so I will be picking up extra copies, because my wife and children would also like to support the proposal. I hope that some of you will do likewise.

As you know, some people are opposed to the idea. And one or two are even angry that we are being given the opportunity to express our opinion. More reason, you may feel, to ensure that the democratic will of the community prevails. Forms must be handed in by Monday 19 December. Please use your contact networks to pass on this important message.

[Bob Jefferson]

Here is a copy of the form you can print and complete yourself. Just remember to hand it in to the library by Monday 19 December.

muga_form.pdf

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[Mark Cameron]

I emailed James Hunter to ask whether the forms could be emailed to him. He said they could although I suspect he'd prefer the paper version if at all possible.

His email is James.Hunter@edinburgh.gov.uk

[Bob Jefferson]

http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/2266 ... residents/

[seanie]

"We held a democratically chaired meeting to which everyone was invited where we had a discussion and came to a conclusion.”

No mention on the notice of the AGM about a discussion on the Rosefield Park proposals.

And I wonder just how many people turned up to the Brighton & Rosefield Residents' Association meeting?

[Pal of Porty]

"We held a democratically chaired meeting to which everyone was invited where we had a discussion and came to a conclusion.”

I think that the oft quoted Joint Secretary of the PCC, oops I mean PPAG spokesperson, oops again I mean Chair of BRA, will find that the conclusion they reached was yet again not representative of local residents or indeed the Community at large. I have spoken to 5 people (counting a family/couple as only 1) living within 300m of the park who are in support of this project.

P.S. As a regular attendee to the fantastic annual Village Fair, I think the proposed facilities would enhance the event not impede it.