Grattons Park Research September 2009 Support Services January

Aim of the research Who uses the park? How do residents use it? What do they think of it? What do residents most value? What changes would residents like? All to inform the management plan for the park Builds a profile of park user for Crawley

Grattons: Who was consulted? 1438 questionnaires to local residents in immediate area of park 3 clubs/organisations Total: returned 34.5 % response rate

Grattons: Who responded?  56% female  80% aged over 40  Nearly half are 60+  Only 1% are under 20  Nearly 85% White British  9 in 10 are from Pound Hill

How is Grattons being used?  11% never use the park  Most spend one hour in the park  Walking most popular; play area next; then enjoying nature.  4 in 10 are visiting with children; 45% are using the play area  80% are walking to park; less than 10% use car

Satisfaction with Grattons

Affecting satisfaction…….  Some negatives about maintenance not being as good as previously  Litter – especially play area  Children’s play area – not enough for older age group; geared towards younger ages  Clear woodland  Not much feedback on sporting facilities; but seem OK

More issues affecting satisfaction levels……  Footpaths – muddy, narrow, need clearing  Signage – mixed views  Access in wet weather; when there are lots of cars  Cramped car parking and problems with on street parking

What is most valued at Grattons Park?  Good place for children  Safe  Despite some concerns about campers in woodland  Relaxing

Using other parks in Crawley  Worth Park  Proximity  Tilgate  Range of facilities

Looking for information  Local Papers  Leaflets  Online  Crawley Live As for other parks

Improvements/change……..  28 interested in starting a Friends Group; 100 interested in becoming a member  Better general maintenance  Less litter especially play area  More planting  Woodland management  Improvements to footpaths

And more………  Owners to better control dogs  Greater control over dog mess  Refreshment facilities  Access to toilet facilities

And finally……..  Improved play facilities – especially for older children  Bigger car park and safer parking  More events  More seating/benches