Richmond’s Parks The Frontier of Parks Management David Allister, Head of Parks & Open Spaces

The Parks and Open Spaces Service 164 Parks & Open Spaces 500 Hectares 20,000 Street Trees 2,000 Allotments 100’s Acres of Woodland 60 Playgrounds 17 miles of Towpath Over 60 Friends Groups and Societies

Pride of Place – Cultural Heritage Orleans House Gardens Garricks Lawn Strawberry Hill House Kew Gardens Hampton Court Ham House

The Story so far Part 1 ( ) Non – statutory service Lack of Interest nationally Open spaces strategy - Average Poor perception of safety in parks 67% public satisfaction Start of a 10 year contract for maintenance ………….But then something happened!

Parks Improvement Programme I 2005 – 2010 Parks Improvement Programme £3.7m, 5 year Council funded programme, which is dedicated to improving the infrastructure of the borough’s Parks and Open Spaces. Playground Area Refurbishment Programme £2m, 4 year Council funded programme providing new, innovative and safe play facilities to all parts of the borough. Four Themes  Physical Improvements  Community Safety in Parks  Working with the Community  Working with Young People

The story so far Part 2 (2010 – 2016)

Parks Improvement Programme II 2012 – 2017 “Living Your Life in Richmond’s Parks” Four Principles - £3M More facilities and experiences for all users Parks to become a part of residents day to day life within the borough Provide something for everyone all year round Continuing to improve and update

Framework Contract - A new approach!  Specialist jobs done by Specialist contractors  Meaningful performance indicators  Less client resource  More flexible and shorter contract – 4 years  Output based  Others can buy in and share  Quality at the core  Savings! Lot nameSupplier Horticulture ServicesContinental Landscapes Conservation ServicesGlendale Managed Services Arboriculture ServicesGristwood & Toms Oak Processionary Moth control Bartlett Tree Experts Sports ServicesContinental Landscapes Tennis ServicesWill to Win Golf ServicesGlendale Managed Services Play ServicesContinental Landscapes Event ManagementThe Event Umbrella Small WorksContinental Landscapes Parks Cleansing*Continental Landscapes Street Scene Contract Parks Warden Service*Park Guard Ltd

98% Public Satisfaction Diamond Jubilee Gardens Best Service Team of the Year: Parks, Grounds and Horticultural Service Gold Award & National Champions

The Future ( )

Things to Consider:- Wandsworth – Joint Staffing Structure? Tree Management? Old Deer Park Lease? A New River Park? A new Framework Contract?

The way forward! Devolved Site Conservation - SLA/Volunteers Cleansing Tennis Amenity Landscape Management Small Works Wardening and Locking Play Inspection New build maintain - multi- supplier lot ARB OPM Events Golf Framework Traditional Contract Other Included in other contracts

Strategic Principles  The quality of our Parks and Open Spaces will continue to define the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.  Parks and Open Spaces will enrich the life, health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.  Richmond will lead in the delivery of excellent parks and open spaces services.  Richmond’s Parks will offer positive experiences to all visitors.  Through innovation, the future development of the parks will be ensured.  Increased community participation will be encouraged and supported.  The Parks and Open Spaces within Richmond will be centres of excellence and celebrated.  The management of Parks and Open Spaces will create a sustainable legacy for future generations

QUESTIONS?