What's happening at the Recreation Grounds?

At this time of year there is lots going on in the recreation grounds, in terms of cutting back, clearing up and generally sprucing up for the warmer weather, when the recreation grounds in the village can provide a great location for local people to enjoy the (hopefully) good weather and local wildlife.

In March the Kibworth Joint Recreation Committee employed workers from Care Shangton to help with the general clear up work required. They did a great job clearing a lot of the litter, which had been carelessly dropped across the recreation field, but particularly along the ditch, which borders the path leading down from the school. Please help to keep this area tidy by reminding your children to look after their local area and never to drop litter.

Other work, which has taken place, includes a major hedge-laying project at Warwick Rd recreation ground, which has been part-funded by a Shires Grant from Leicestershire County Council. This traditional approach to hedge maintenance; will encourage strong growth in the hedge, improving the habitat for local birds and small mammals. It should also improve the security between the neighbouring fields, which has been a problem at times with children using the gaps in the hedge to bring building materials onto the field. The Committee meets the cost of clearing up after this type of thoughtless behaviour, but in a world of limited resources, this does of course mean there is less money to spend on improvements to the parks or recreation areas, which could be enjoyed by all. The situation is more serious at the Skate Park, where mindless vandalism, particularly in the spring and summer months will cost the Committee thousands of pounds to put right. In the last financial year, vandalism at the Skate Park alone, cost in excess of £1,700 to put right. This does not include the replacement of the ‘kissing’ gate just outside the Skate Park (which was sawn off completely last summer) and will cost a further £430 to replace. All this money might more usefully have been spent on providing a new facility, such as a BMX track, something the young people of the village have been asking for over the past year. If you can help at all in preventing this type of damage or thoughtless behaviour, perhaps by talking to your own children and grandchildren about their responsibilities for looking after the facilities in the village, this would be very much appreciated by all.

On a different note, the Committee does try to consult the local community on proposed changes usually through the pages of the Chronicle. One change being considered at the moment is the re-location of a bench, which currently sits at the top of the path leading up to the school (on Warwick Rd recreation ground), close to the jitty that leads through to The Tithings. The local Police Constable has reported that this bench is used as a focal point for youth to gather in the evenings causing disturbance to neighbouring householders. If you have any objections to the relocation of this bench, please let the Committee know, by writing to the Clerk of the Committee.

Warwick Road Recreation Ground Play Area

Joint Recreation Committee

You may have seen the above committee mentioned in Parish Council matters and wondered about its role. We hope the following will assist new families to the area to acquaint themselves with the village parks. The committee is made up of members of both Beauchamp and Harcourt Parish Councils (hence the term ‘Joint’). Along with the Clerk to the Joint Recreation Committee (JRC), the Committee looks after the parks and recreation areas in the villages, with the exception of Jubilee Green, which is the sole responsibility of Harcourt PC.

Play parks in Kibworth can be found at:-

 Smeeton Road Recreation Ground - Which has swings and multi-play unit near to Smeeton Road and large grass area (including goal post & balancing beams) extending behind the Tennis Club to the footpath next to the Scout Hut on Fleckney Road. This is suitable for ball sports.

 Warwick Road Recreation Ground - This is the main play park for the village and includes a football pitch with car park off the Warwick Road (please contact the Clerk on 07805 459764 if you are interested in using this facility). There is also a skate park which can be accessed by foot from the ‘Tin Bridge’ at the bottom of Meadowcourt Road or from Hillcrest Avenue. There is a network of footpaths through the Rec. connecting School Road with Hillcrest Avenue and The Tithings. The main play park is situation below the Primary School and has swings, roundabout and multi-play equipment. There is also a large area of grass for ball sports etc. This park is currently the subject of an application for Section 106 funding so that work can continue with installation of new play equipment. It is hoped that this work will be undertaken during 2008.

 Rookery Close Recreation Grounds - This grassy area does not have any play equipment, but it is intended to develop an area of this park into a wetland nature area. This park can be accessed via a footpath connecting Station Street and Rookery Close.

 Larkswood - A small area of grass at the bottom of Larkswood

 Jubilee Green - This small park is situated on Main Street and has swings and play equipment.

Maintaining these parks in a safe and attractive manner is the Committee’s aim, and we would urge villagers to assist us by advising the Clerk (tel. 07805 459764) of any problems they may encounter, especially if there is damage to equipment. Unfortunately, there are a few who spoil it by littering the parks with drinks cans and bottles etc. and allowing their dogs to foul the grass and paths.

Please encourage children to use the parks and enjoy the space responsibly, always being considerate towards people living nearby.

Members of the Committee from Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Council are Cllr Peter Faye (Chair), Ed Burgess, Roger Garratt and Diane Render

Committee Members and Contacts

Joint Recreation Committee Terms of Reference

Joint Recreation Committee Constitution

Proposed Meeting Dates 2009/10

This list gives dates for meeting planned for 2008/09. Please refer to the Meeting Calender for up to date details.

Rookery Close Recreation Ground Wetland Area

Water Safety Inspection and Risk Assessment Report of Rookery Close Recreation Area and Pond

Committee Budgets

Grants Received

Asset Register