Haysden Country Park Management Plan - Tonbridge and Malling ...

Tonbridge RacecourseSportsgroundManagement Plan2009 - 2013www.tmbc.gov.ukTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 1

GUIDANCE NOTESThe following notes have been prepared to help guide you through and understandthe Management Plan. Section headings are highlighted below along withdescriptions of their relevance within the overall plan.Part 1 – Where are we now?The first section of the plan describes the current situation at thetime it was written. It is an introduction to Tonbridge RacecourseSportsground (TRS) and advises on the current facilities and theirmanagement.Part 2 – Where do we want to get to?This section of the plan describes our vision for TRS and sets outour management aims and objectives.Part 3 – How will we get there?This section sets out how we are going to achieve our aimsand objectives. A Five Year Work Programme sets out longtermtargets and annual Action Plans focusing on each yearwill flow from this.Part 4 – How will we know when we have arrived?The final section looks at how we will track progress and how the Plan might beupdated.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 2

Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013Part 1 – Where are we now?ContentsPage No.1.0 Introduction/Background to Tonbridge RacecourseSportsground 8The Role of the Management PlanPolicy Context2.0 A Welcoming Place 10LocationEntrancesLand UseAccessibilityFormal RecreationInformal RecreationCatering & Equipment HireToiletsSeating3.0 Healthy, Safe and Secure 14Health and SafetySite StaffingClosed Circuit Television (CCTV)Water Safety PolicyChildren’s Play AreaPolice Community Support Officers (PCSO)4.0 Clean and Well Maintained 15Grounds MaintenanceBuilding MaintenanceEquipment MaintenanceArboriculture and Woodland Management5.0 Sustainability 17Corporate PolicyPesticide UsePeat UseEnergy EfficiencyWaste MinimisationTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 3

6.0 Conservation and Heritage 19Site HistoryHabitat and Landscape StructureTopography Features and Soils7.0 Community Involvement 21Customer SurveysMedway Valley Countryside PartnershipTonbridge Sports AssociationMini Soccer AllianceLocal Educational EstablishmentsConsultation on the Management Plan8.0 Marketing 23PublicationsEvents9.0 Management 24Management StructureStakeholdersSportsground BudgetCompartments 1-410.0 Limiting Factors and SWOT Analysis 27Flood PlainWater Abstraction AreaSite DesignationsSports UseAccess RightsEasement PrivilegesRestrictive CovenantsExisting Leasehold/AgreementsPublic Rights of WayCondition of Sports FacilitiesBudgetSite Security and Warden PatrollingStrengths, Weakness, Opportunities and ThreatsPart 2 – Where do we want to get to? 3011.0 Management Plan Aim & ObjectivesTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 4

Part 3 – How will we get there? 3212.0 Five Year Work Programme13.0 Annual Action PlansPart 4 – How will know when we have arrived? 37Green Flag AwardMonitoring ProgressAnnual Management Plan ReviewEnd of Plan ReviewTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 5

AppendicesAppendix 1 -Appendix 2 -Appendix 3 -Appendix 4 -Appendix 5 -Appendix 6 -Appendix 7Location PlanMaster PlanAccess AuditMap of Legal AspectsChemicals used at TRSSportsground Budget TRSAnnual Action PlanTablesTable 1 - List of Policy GuidanceTable 2 - List of User ClubsTable 3 - Pitch Provision and Extent of the Playing SeasonTable 4 - Grounds MaintenanceTable 5 - Key Habitat Types Present within TRSTable 6 - Timetable for ConsultationTable 7 - Typical Annual Events held at held at TRSTable 8 - List of Stakeholders for TRSTable 9 - SWOT AnalysisTable 10 - Five Year Work ProgrammeAcknowledgementsRobert Styles, Chief Leisure OfficerDarren Lanes, Leisure Services Manager (Outdoor)John Dicker, Senior Parks OfficerChris Fox, Leisure Services Officer (Outdoor)Michael Harris, Senior Leisure Services OfficerTMBCAlan Nicholl, Chairman, Tonbridge Sports AssociationPat Mortlock, Tonbridge Historical SocietyAnd all others consulted on the plan.Photographic credits:TMBCDavid HodgkinsonSport EnglandSustransFor further information please contact:Leisure Services, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Council Offices,Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4LZTel. 01732 876166Email: leisure.services@tmbc.gov.uk Web Site: www.tmbc.gov.ukCopyright © TMBC 2008 version 2Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 6

Acronyms and abbreviations used in this PlanCCTVDDAEAGFAGMCPRoWMUGAMVCPPPSRAsRoSPATDAFPSTMBCTRSTSAClose Circuit TelevisionDisability Discrimination ActEnvironment AgencyGreen Flag AwardGrounds Maintenance ContractPublic Right of WayMulti Use Games AreaMedway Valley Countryside PartnershipPlaying Pitch StrategyRisk AssessmentsRoyal Society for the Prevention of AccidentsTonbridge & District Angling & Fish Preservation SocietyTonbridge & Malling Borough CouncilTonbridge Racecourse SportsgroundTonbridge Sports AssociationOther documents referred to in this plan.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Market Survey 2003Water Safety Strategy - Tonbridge Racecourse SportsgroundTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 7

Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground - Management Plan 2009-2013Part 1 – Where are we now?The first section of the plan describes the current situation at the time itwas written. It is an introduction to Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground(TRS) and advises on the current facilities and their management.1.0 – Introduction/Background to Tonbridge Racecourse SportsgroundTRS covers an area of approximately 28 Hectares (52 Acres) and is located in theheart of Tonbridge. The Sportsground provides a range of outdoor sports pitches/facilities and is well used by the local community for formal seasonal sports such asfootball, rugby, cricket, baseball and bowls, and for informal uses including;children’s play, tennis, crazy golf, dog walking, picnics, and family days out.The use of TRS for field sports (football, rugby) is primarily over the winter period,with the Sportsground providing a popular causal visitor attraction particularly duringthe summer months. The Tonbridge to Penshurst Cycle Route also runs throughTRS, linking it to Haysden Country Park and Penshurst Place beyond.A number of events take place at the site including a Football Fiesta, and KiteFestival.Its close proximity to other attractions such as Tonbridge Swimming Pool, TonbridgeCastle and the rowing boat hire available from the nearby Big Bridge, means thatpeople often spend the day visiting this area.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 8

The Role of the Management PlanThis Plan has been developed to give guidance and direction to the futuremanagement of TRS and to meet the criteria set out for the Green Flag Award(GFA). It is intended that this document is used as a management tool and willprovide the basis for the maintenance and development of the site. It will be used toguide current site management and play an integral role in the development offuture projects and decisions relating to the Sportsground.Policy ContextThe Plan has also been developed to take into account the policy/ guidance listed inTable 1 and contributes to the following TMBC Key Priorities: (i) ‘promoting andencouraging opportunities for healthy living’; (ii) ‘achieving a cleaner, smarter andbetter…open space environment’; (iii) ‘give priority to involving and meeting theneeds of young people’; (iv) ‘reducing environmental crime, criminal damage, andanti social behaviour’; (v) ‘enhance the vitality of Tonbridge Town Centre’ and (vi)‘make a positive local contribution to tackling the causes and effects of climatechange’.Table 1: List of Policy GuidanceTMBC Policy or Guidance DocumentationDeveloping ‘Tonbridge & Malling Borough Local Development Framework’Local Cultural Strategy‘Key Issues’ within the Borough Leisure StrategyKey PrioritiesPlaying Pitch StrategyNature Conservation StrategyOutdoor Leisure Best Value Performance ReviewStandards of the Green Flag Award Scheme.Open Space StrategyThe Council also aspires to achieve a GFA at TRS. This is a national award schemeadministered by the Civic Trust, which recognises high standards of maintenanceand management of green-spaces. Therefore, the Plan has also been written takingaccount of the following GFA Criteria.A welcoming placeHealthy safe and secureClean and well maintainedSustainableConservation and heritageCommunity involvementMarketingManagementTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 9

2.0 – A Welcoming PlaceLocation – TRS is located in the heart of Tonbridge, Kent.(See Appendix 1)Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference TQ584464Grid Reference Easting 558376 Northing 146807Nearest Postcode TN9 1DSEntrances – All vehicular and pedestrian access points havebeen highlighted on the Master Plan (see Appendix 2).Land Use – The present internal land uses can be foundwithin the compartment descriptions (see section 9.0) or alternatively, on the MasterPlan (see Appendix 2). Externally the site is surrounded predominantly by residentialproperties, with retail premises to the south (Tonbridge High Street) and educationalland located to the north (Tonbridge School). The Tonbridge to Redhill railway lineruns along the far western boundary and the Sportsground itself is within the floodplain of the River Medway and is subject to significant periodic flooding.Accessibility – A Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Audit was carried out at theSportsground by a sub group of the former ‘Disability Working Party’ on12 December 2005. The resulting Improvement Action Plan (Appendix 3) iscurrently being implemented with many actions already completed includingalterations to the main gate, path repairs, and improved access to toilets facilities.Access By Bus – Bus stops located in Tonbridge High Streetare within a short walking distance of TRS.Access By Rail – Less than ½ a mile from Tonbridge Stationthat offers direct connections to London Charing Cross,London Cannon Street, Ashford and Hastings.Access By Road – There are several car parks located withinwalking distance of the Sportsground (see Master Plan -Appendix 2 or detailed locations).Access By Foot – The Definitive Public Right of Way footpath MU24 runs along thenorthern boundary of the Sportsground. For further details on Public Rights of Wayand other footpaths see Appendix 4. Pedestrian routes to the Sportsground aresignposted from Tonbridge High Street, Tonbridge Castle and New Wharf Road andall pedestrian entrances into the Sportsground have been identified on the MasterPlan (see Appendix 2)Access By Bicycle – Cycle routes provide access to the Sportsground via theAvebury Avenue entrance (end of route), Riverside Walk (end of route) and NewTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 10

Wharf Road to Tonbridge Swimming Pool (end of route). Regional Cycle Route 12runs through the Sportsground, providing access from Tonbridge Castle, HaysdenCountry Park and Penshurst Place. The cycle route runs along the northernboundary of the Sportsground following the River Medway. This route was thesubject of an Order under the Cycle Tracks Act, however, cycling is prohibited in allother areas of the Sportsground.Formal Recreation – The site is used for a number of sports including Football,Rugby, Lawn Bowling, Canoeing, Cricket, and Baseball.For sports such as football, rugby, baseball and cricket, pitch tenancy agreementsare agreed on an annual basis in liaison with the Tonbridge Sports Association(TSA). The tenancy agreements are between TMBC and the individual clubs whoparticipate in local league competitions. This aspect is managed by the TMBCLeisure Service Business Unit (LSBU) at the Angel Leisure Centre, in Tonbridge.These agreements enable clubs to use their allocated pitches according to fixturesagreed by the respective Leagues.Just outside the boundary to TRS, Tonbridge Canoe Club operates from a centre onthe bank of the River Medway.Thirteen different sports clubs currently (2007/08 season) use the Sportsground ona regular basis, see Table 2.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 11

Table 2: List of User ClubsClubGardeners Arms Football ClubRiverside Bowls ClubRoselands Football ClubRoselands Junior Football ClubTonbridge Bobcats (baseball)Tonbridge & District Angling & Fish Preservation SocietyTonbridge Invicta Junior Football ClubTonbridge Juddians Rugby Football ClubTonbridge Canoe ClubTonbridge Junior Football ClubTonbridge Mini Soccer AllianceTonbridge Royal Touch Rugby ClubTonbridge YMCA cricket ClubThe lawn bowling green is managed under a separate agreement with the RiversideBowls Club who operate this facility both for its own members and the generalpublic, with maintenance provided by TMBC.The formal playing pitch provision (2007/08 season) has been summarised inTable 3, and also highlights the normal extent of the playing season. The number offootball and rugby pitches can vary from year to year, depending on demand.Table 3: Pitch Provision and Extent of Playing SeasonSports Number Season Starts Season EndsBaseball 1 Pitch May AugustCricket 1 Pitch June SeptemberBowling 1 Green May SeptemberFootball 23 Pitches September AprilRugby 12 Pitches September AprilTouch Rugby 3 Pitches May SeptemberTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 12

Informal Recreation – The following facilities are also provided at the TRS forcasual public use:• A large equipped children’s play area provides for a wide range of ages fromtoddlers to teens• A bouncy castle is provided during the summer months• An 18-Hole crazy golf course is sited within the fenced children’s play area.• Four hard-surfaced tennis courts are available for casual hire• An orienteering course (permanently marked ‘fixed course’)• Tonbridge Model Engineering Society has a permanently sited miniaturerailway track and offers train rides for children during the summer months.Catering and Equipment Hire - The LSBU operate the Games Kiosk within theSportsground play area from which, putting equipment for the crazy golf, theinflatable ‘bouncy castle’ and the tennis courts can all be hired. Leaflets for theorienteering course, ice creams, confectionery and drinks are also available for salefrom the Kiosk.Toilets - Separate male, female and disabled public toilets are located by the mainentrance to the Sportsground. The Bowls Club and Sports Pavilion also containdedicated toilet facilities.Seating - The Sportsground contains a large number of seats and picnic benches.Members of the public are able to sponsor a seat and many have already beendonated.NB: For the location of facilities and services highlighted above please seeAppendix 2.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 13

3.0 – Healthy, Safe & SecureHealth and Safety -The Council has an overall health and safety policy statementand policies are also sought from all major contractors working at the Sportsground.The Council also has a suite of generic Risk Assessments (RAs) and again specificRAs are sought from individual contractors. RAs are also required for all events thattake place on site.Site Staffing – A Park Ranger patrols the site on a part-time basis to enforceaspects such as dog and litter control, liaise with the public and assist with events.The Council’s Grounds Maintenance Contractor has both a depot and maintenanceteam based within the Sportsground. These staff are uniformed so that they caneasily be indentified by the public. The Council’s Senior Parks Officer monitors sitemaintenance and controls its management.Close Circuit Television (CCTV) – CCTV is present at the Sportsground and linkedinto the Town Centre system. The control centre is staffed 24 hours a day andoperators have links with the Park Ranger, Officers at the Council and the Police.Water Safety Policy – The Council has an overarching Water Safety Policy toaddress the issue of public safety around inland water bodies at/adjacent to itsoutdoor leisure sites. Flowing from this there is also a site specific Water SafetyStrategy for TRS. Both the overall Policy and Strategy have been written in liaisonwith the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents RoSPA.Children’s Play Area – Weekly health and safety inspections of all play equipmentare carried out and recorded in writing by the grounds maintenance contractor. Allinspection sheets are monitored by the Senior Parks Officer and repairs carried outas appropriate. In addition an annual inspection is carried out by an independentexternal inspector.Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) – The Park Ranger has developedlinks with the Police and PCSOs in order that they can offer assistance on demandand carry out independent patrols of the site.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 14

4.0 – Clean and Well MaintainedGrounds maintenance – Maintenance tasks at the Sportsground are, with only afew exceptions, specified within the Council’s Ground Maintenance Contract (GMC).The contract details all tasks that are to be carried out highlighting both frequencyand quality requirements. Due to the scale of the GMC it would be inappropriate toincorporate this into this plan in any great detail, however, some of the key taskshave been summarised in Table 4. Weekly meetings are held between the SeniorParks Officer and the contractor’s foreman, to review progress and plan for the weekahead.Table 4: Grounds MaintenanceMaintenance AreaDescription of OperationsLitter ControlPublic ToiletsDog FoulingPlaygroundSports PitchesBowling GreenTennis CourtsCrazy GolfPark FurnitureAll litter bins are checked and emptied and the sitecleared of litter daily. Litter bins are washed monthly.Litter is also monitored through BVPI 199. Fines forlittering can be issued by various officers.The toilets are cleaned twice a day, once in the morningand once in the evening. The building is locked at night.Dog bins are emptied once a week. Fines for foulingcan be issued by various officers under the Dogs(Fouling of Land) Act 1996.The playground equipment is inspected weekly by thegrounds staff and an annual independent inspection isalso carried out. Routine repairs are instructed asrequired. A programme for the renewal of all playequipment is also in place.All sports pitches are marked out and mown once aweek during the season. The football pitches areharrowed and slit once a month, with sand appliedweekly to goal mouths and centres during wet periods.During the cricket season, the square and outfield is cutonce a week, and wickets three times a week; wicketsare prepared the day before each match. Fertiliser andpesticides are applied as required.The green is mown on average three times a week, andswitched daily. Fertiliser and pesticides are applied asrequired. Slitting and scarification are carried outperiodically.Courts are prepared for use and swept daily.The course is prepared for use daily; the surroundinggrass is maintained to an amenity standard.All park benches and bins and checked and washedmonthly and re-painted annually if required.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 15

Building Maintenance – The Council has a planned maintenance programme forbuilding work that is implemented by the Council’s Property Services department.This includes aspects like internal and external decoration, routine maintenance andurgent repairs. The only exceptions to this are the leased buildings on the site,namely the Bowls Club buildings and MiniSoccer Pavilion which are the responsibilityof the respective leaseholders.Equipment Maintenance – All machinery isowned and maintained by the groundsmaintenance contractor.Arboriculture and Woodland Management – Mature trees are surveyed andassessed on a regular basis, by independent and qualified arborists. Reports areprioritised for risk and action is taken accordingly. Young trees are planted andmaintained by contractors.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 16

5.0 – SustainabilityCorporate Policy – The Plan has been written in accordance with the Council’sClimate Change Strategy and Corporate Purchasing Policy and also takes intoconsideration the Council’s biodiversity duty under the Natural Environment andRural Communities Act 2006.Pesticide Use – Chemical use is vetted and,where possible, is kept to a minimum.Alternative methods of control are alwaysconsidered and remain under annual review. Alimited number of chemicals are used at theSportsground to control turf pests and diseases,weeds, as disinfectants and for graffiti removal.The Control of Substances Hazardous to Healthand Risk Assessments are carried out and kepton file as necessary. All chemicals are stored ina locked and purpose built store, with all usagelogged in a chemical application book. Asummary of the chemicals currently used in theSportsground are listed in Appendix 5.RecycleReduceReusePeat Use – No peat is used on site and purchases of nursery stock are normally asbare root plants. All planting compost used on site is recycled green waste.Energy Efficiency – The public are encouraged to visit the Sportsground bysustainable means either cycling (Tonbridge to Penshurst Cycle Route) or on foot.These alternatives are offered when promoting the Site.Within the toilets water use is kept to a minimum with taps that automatically switchoff and any leaks are reported and repaired as soon as possible. Where possible,water saving devices have been installed to all toilet cisterns. Warm air blowers areused for hand drying. Meter readings for all electricity and water usage are takenmanually on a regular basis and monitored with any higher than normal usageinvestigated. All staff are aware of the importance of reducing energy consumptionand are regularly reminded of the need to ensure that energy usage is kept to aminimum and to turn off lights and taps.The Grounds Maintenance contractor KCChave achieved the standard ISO14001, thecontractor uses low sulphur fuel, and electricvehicles.Waste Minimisation – Public recycling pointsare present in the car park adjoining theSportsground.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 17

The other waste generated by visitors is usually placed in the litter bins. This wasteis very mixed and as a result is disposed of via the municipal waste stream andincinerated to create energy off site.Safety tiles used within the play area are made from re-cycled tyres.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 18

6.0 – Conservation and HeritageSite History – TRS was so named due to itsoriginal use for horse racing. This former‘meadowland’ was grazed by sheep under a leasefrom The Tonbridge Water Works Company Ltdand others, to a private landowner until 1923. Thearea was however always popular for playingsports and in 1920 the TSA was specificallyformed to manage sports activities at TRS, for thebenefit of the sports clubs in Tonbridge. In 1923the ‘Racecourse Meadows’ were purchased by thethen Tonbridge Urban District Council (TUDC)along with Tinkers Island which was acquired fromanother private landowner. In 1923 the TSA wasalso granted a representative on the ParksCommittee of the TUDC (the predecessor ofTMBC) and the site was officially opened in Juneof that year. The land at Brightfriars Meadow andDeacons Field were acquired more recently and allthis land now makes up TRS.TMBC has since this time worked in partnership with the TSA to enhance theSportsground for the benefit of sports clubs and the wider public but always havingsports use as a primary purpose of the site.Over the years the town has grown-up around the Sportsground, but being within aflood plain and containing sports pitches, was never built upon. Today this greenspace still starts close to the town centre and leads out into the open countrysidebeyond.Habitat and Landscape Structure - The site consists mainly of grassland, withhedgerows, woodland and running water. These habitats are at present managed inharmony with recreation and visitormanagement. A limited number of speciesof note have been recorded on the sitereflecting both the limited diversity ofhabitats present and the lack of surveys todate. The key habitats have been noted inTable 5. TRS forms part of a wider wildlifecorridor along the River Medway from thetown of Tonbridge out into the countryside.The Councils aims to increase biodiversitywithin parks and open spaces in line withthe Council’s Open Spaces Strategy.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 19

Table 5: Key Habitat Types Present within TRSImportanceHabitat typeInternational/ EuropeanNationalRegional/ LocalApprox.area of TRSHedgerows*

7.0 - Community InvolvementCustomer Surveys – These are regularly carried outwithin the Sportsground and used to profile visitorsand provide data on customer satisfaction, facilitiesand suggested improvements. The results of the lastuser survey carried out in 2003 have beenincorporated into this plan.Key results from the previous survey:346 face-to-face interviews were completed withusers of the Sportsground between 30 June and13 July 2003. The survey included those participating in formal sports.76% of users are satisfied overall with the TRS42% of users were young family groups98% of users are repeat visits95% of users felt safe using TRS in the daytime96% would recommend others to visit57% of users visited by walking or on a bicycle60% of users travelled only 2 miles or lessMedway Valley Countryside Partnership (volunteer litter wardens) – At presentthe Medway Valley Countryside Partnership organise volunteers from the localcommunity to carry out regular litter patrols along the River Medway and organise‘River Round-up’ events, where the public assist with litter picking.Tonbridge Sports Association – The Association are actively involved in themanagement and development of sports clubs using the Sportsground and meetwith the Council every six weeks to discuss issues.Mini Soccer Alliance – Raised funds for the provision of a new pavilion.Local Educational Establishments – At present the TRS has limited formal use byeducational establishments.Consultation on the Management Plan – Involvement of external parties in theproduction of this document was essential, and the programme for consultation wasdeveloped and is outlined in Table 6.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 21

Table 6: Timetable for ConsultationActionTimescaleConsultation with the TSA, LSBU and Spring 2008Tonbridge Historical SocietyTMBC – Leisure & Arts Advisory Board March 2008to approve Consultation DraftPublic Consultation – including all key April- May 2008stakeholdersPlan amended to reflect consultation May 2008 onwardscommentsTMBC – Leisure & Arts Advisory Board October 2008to adopt final Management PlanPublication of final Management Plan November 2008Copies of the Management Plan Consultation Draft were sent to:• Stakeholders (see Table 8)• All other interested personsThe Management Plan was be made available to view at the Council’s offices atKings Hill, Tonbridge Castle and at the Tonbridge Town Library (Reference section).The Plan was also be available on the TMBC website at www.tmbc.gov.uk. Allcomments about the Consultation Draft Plan were considered by the Council andamendments made as required. Amendments were fed back to the consultees whomade comments.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 22

8.0 – MarketingPublications – The Council markets theSportsground as a local facility with theprinciple means of marketing beingthrough; the Leisure Guide; via theCouncil’s web site; through pressreleases; in the Council’s Here & Nowresidents’ magazine; through onsitenotice boards; and event publications.Events – A number of events are run at the Sportsground each year most of theseare run by local community volunteers, typical events are listed in Table 7.Table 7: Typical Annual Events held at TRS:EventFootball Fiesta – Tonbridge Junior Football ClubJamboree Days - Tonbridge Junior Football ClubMini Rugby Festival – Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Football ClubOpen Days – Tonbridge Junior Football ClubRiver Round-up (litter pick) - Medway Valley Countryside PartnershipSkills Day - Tonbridge Junior Football ClubSummer Soccer School - Tonbridge Junior Football ClubSummer Soccer Skills - Tonbridge Junior Football ClubTonbridge Kite FestivalTouch Rugby Tournament – Touch Rugby ClubCanoe Events - Tonbridge Canoe ClubTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 23

9.0 – ManagementManagement Structure – Major policy issues will be determined by the Councilthrough recommendation made by the Leisure & Arts Advisory Board to theCouncils Cabinet. Implementation will be undertaken by Leisure Services. TheTMBC officer management structure is shown below:Chief Leisure Officer(Head of Service)Leisure ServicesManager (Outdoor)Other Leisure ManagersSenior Parks Officer(Day-to-day sitemanagement)Other Parks OfficersPark RangerPart time for TRS andHaysden Country ParkManagement of TRS is carried out by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC)in liaison with a number of partners. The existing partners are as follows:• Tonbridge Sports Association – sports club liaison and pitch layout• Leisure Services Business Unit – pitch bookings, running of the Games Hut/kiosk for catering, hire of bouncy castle, tennis courts and crazy golf• KCC Landscape Services - Grounds Maintenance Contractor• Cleanaway Limited – Dog Bin Maintenance Contractor• Medway Valley Countryside Partnership –Volunteer Litter Warden Scheme• Kent County Council (West Kent Area Office) – Public Rights of Way• Tonbridge & District Angling & Fish Preservation Society – Fishing Rights• Tonbridge Model Engineering Society – Model train track• Sevenoaks District Council – Public conveniences contractTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 24

Table 8: List of Stakeholders for TRSName of OrganisationBritish Trust for Conservation VolunteersEmergency ServicesEnvironment Agency (EA)Kent County Council – Landscape ServicesKent County Council – Public Rights of Way – West Kent Area OfficeKent Wildlife TrustLeisure Service Business Unit TMBCLocal SchoolsMedway Valley Countryside PartnershipSouth East WaterTonbridge Access GroupTonbridge Canoe ClubTonbridge Civic SocietyTonbridge Model Engineering SocietyTonbridge Sports Association for the Resident Sports ClubsTonbridge WaterwaysUpper Medway Internal Drainage BoardSportsground Budget – Maintenance of TRS is currently met through the Council’sRevenue Budget. The budget provides for ground maintenance, running costs,repairs, administration and essential services. A breakdown of this budget can befound in Appendix 6.The budget is reviewed annually and will take account of any price increases in thecontracts. As for all council services, TRS competes for resources alongside otherservices provided by the Council. It is noted that additional funding maybe availablethrough developer contributions, grants or additional income generation.Compartments – For the purpose of this Plan, the site has been divided into fourcompartments to reflect their different management needs and uses. Thecompartment descriptions outline the current condition and features.Compartment 1 – Informal Recreation: This compartment comprises of landcontaining the main amenities for the site and a section of Riverside Walk. This isthe most visited and popular area for frequent users and includes the toilet block,large children’s play area, games hut/ refreshment kiosk, crazy golf, bowling greenand four hard surfaced tennis courts. The area also contains the events field andmaintenance building. The area is amenity grassland, with some trees and shrubs.The wildlife value of this area is limited and reflective of the high volume of usersand a high level of maintenance.Compartment 2 – Main field: The area is used for football, mini football, andcricket. The area is mown grassland with few intrusions to open views. There is aTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 25

path along the west boundary with a hedge-line that divides the field in two. The minisoccer pavilion is located at the centre of this compartment. As above, thiscompartment has limited wildlife value that is reflective of the high volume of usersand a high level of maintenance.Compartment 3 – Sports fields known as ‘Brightfriars Meadow’ and ‘DeaconsField’: Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Football Club pavilion, the Model Railway andtwo public car parks are located in the east of this compartment. Regional CycleRoute 12 and Public Right of Way MU24 run along the northern boundary. Thecompartment is bordered by rivers and drainage ditches on three sides and theRailway forms the final boundary. The land is mainly mown amenity grassland withone part used for baseball in the summer months and the remainder as rugbypitches during the winter months. A wild area behind the hedgerow is present alongthe northern boundary with a further hedgerow along the east boundary. The landhas potentially higher wildlife value than the southern end of the site.Compartment 4 – Tinkers Island: Mixed deciduous woodland and former coppice.The island is separated from the main site by water courses and open drainageditches but is accessible from the main site via two sleeper bridges. The land haspotentially higher wildlife value, than the southern end of the site.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 26

10.0 – Limiting Factors and SWOT AnalysisFlood Plain – Being part of the River Medway flood plain, the Sportsground issubject to significant periodic flooding.Water Abstraction Area – The use of pesticides to control sports turf pests anddiseases is limited and controlled by TMBC as water quality is critical. Water qualityis closely monitored by the Environment Agency and South East Water (the latteroperate the adjacent water pumping station and water abstraction wells within thesite).Site Designations – TRS is designated within the Local Plan as an Area of LocalLandscape Importance’ (Policy 3/7e) and as Greenbelt. The Sportsground is alsodesignated as Public Open Space.Sports Use – The majority of the site is set out and used on a seasonal basis forvarious sports for example football, rugby and cricket. This means that in simpleterms there needs to be large open ‘fields’ of closely mown grass, with limited scopefor a more varied landscape, apart from around the field margins.Access Rights – Large vehicular access is difficult, as access rights, weight limitsand widths of bridges give limited scope to enter the site. For example the Councilhas rights of access across the roadway near the Waterworks but is not the ownerof the land.Easement Privileges – Access rights for purposes of water abstraction andconstruction rights in relation to Deacons Field.Restrictive Covenants – A restrictive covenant was made in 1907 registering rightson Deaconsfield over water and another in 1917 for the laying of electric cables.Several other restricted covenants also exist on the land for abstraction of water onpart of TRS 1923 and for water abstraction from the whole of the site in 1988.In 1988 a restrictive covenant was also made that Deaconsfield shall be ‘kept solelyas playing fields’.Existing Leasehold/Agreements – The following clubs are long-term/ establishedusers for parts of the site:• Mini Soccer Alliance – football pavilion and surrounds• Riverside (Tonbridge) Bowls Club – bowls green buildings and surround• Tonbridge & District Angling and Fish Preservation Society – fishing along theRiver Medway• Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Football club – Rugby club and some surrounds• Tonbridge Model Engineering Society – Model railway areaTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 27

Public Rights of Way – Legal obligations regarding the Public Right of Way(PRoW) MU24 must always be adhered to. For the location of the PRoW seeAppendix 4.Condition of Sports Facilities – The sports pitches, greens, and courts aremaintained to a local/ regional quality standard.Budget – The Sportsground has its own revenue budget that covers the basicmaintenance of the site (see Appendix 6). Management, maintenance anddevelopment carried out within the Sportsground is therefore limited in relation toavailable funding. At present the income generated from the sports use of the siteoffers only limited income recovery. The infrastructure elements of the Sportsgroundrequire expenditure such as replacing dog bins, resurfacing paths, and replacingplay equipment. With the exception of the play equipment, there is limited additionalfunding available for this.Site Security and Warden Patrolling – Limited budget is available for patrollingstaff and this resource is shared with Haysden Country Park.Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats – Table 9 identifies the mainstrengths, weakness, opportunities and threats at TRS.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 28

Table 9: Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and ThreatsStrengths Weakness• TSA partnership• Well organised and successful clubs• High use of sports pitches by youngpeople• Variety of sports played• Year round use• Good level of usage• Regional Cycle Route 12• Accessible car parking• Easy access from town centre• Large equipped play area• Close to other leisure facilities• Little pesticide use• Customer surveys carried out• High levels of customer satisfaction• Playing Pitch & Open Space Strategies• Water Safety Strategy• Long-standing bylaws need reviewing• Demand for more junior football pitches• Limited marketing• No surveys of flora and fauna• Improvements to tennis courts required• Seasonal flooding• Limited shade from sun in play area• Play equipment for older children• No road signage to the sportsground• Condition of existing bridges• Trees along the river bankOpportunities• Achieve the Green Flag Award• Establish a User Panel• Town centre regeneration• Establish a Volunteer Group• Enhanced Ranger presence• Provision of a ball court/teen shelter• DDA audit and improvement plan• Developer contributions• Marketing: web page and leaflet• Refurbish tennis courts• Improve shade from sun in play area• Improved drainage for playing pitches• Survey of wildlife• Increase biodiversity• Review bylawsThreats• Flooding• River bank erosion• Anti social behaviour• Financial constraintsConclusion – The above table identifies and number of possible areas for improvementand where possible these have been taken forward in the sections that follow within the‘Aims’ for the site.Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 29

Part 2 – Where do we want to get to?This section of the plan describes our vision for TRS andsets out our management aims and objectives.As highlighted in section 1.0 the Council is aspiring toachieve a GFA for the Sportsground and as such ouraims and objectives are reflective of the GFA criteria11.0 Management Plan Aim & ObjectivesManagement Plan Overall Aim – To provide a sportsground facility for the healthand enjoyment of the local community. This is to be achieved through managementfocused on the following aims:• A well managed sportsground• A welcoming sportsground• A healthy, safe and secure sportsground• A clean and well maintained sportsground• A sustainable sportsground• A sportsground that addresses conservation and heritage• A sportsground that encourages community involvement• A well marketed and promoted sportsgroundEach ‘Aim’ is broken-down into component parts, called objectives, making it easierfor us to achieve. Objectives underpin the aim, and describe more specifically howthe people responsible for the site intend to achieve the aim. Each objective willfocus on the specific issues indentified at the Sportsground, and each objective willmay give rise to several projects and tasks:1. A well managed sportsground - Objectives:1a. To retain and enhance the existing budget for the site (includingexternal funding opportunities)1b. To adopt new Bylaws for the site1c. To achieve and maintain the Green Flag Award for the sportsground1d. To investigate any opportunities for site enlargement1e. To keep sports pitch usage under review when compared to demand1f. To prepare an Annual Action Plan each year2. A welcoming sportsground – Objectives:2a. To provide sports opportunities for young people2b. To retain an area of land specifically for approved events2c. To provide equal access for all users2d. To provide refreshments and hire services for usersTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 30

3. A healthy, safe and secure sportsground - Objectives:3a. To provide on site patrol staff3b. To carry out regular health and safety inspections3c. To keep paths in good order3d. To provide and maintain a wide range of play equipment and parkfurniture to meet customer needs3e. To meet all legal obligations and adopt good health and safetypractices4. A clean and well maintained sportsground - Objectives:4a. To maintain high levels of site cleanliness4b. To reduce anti social and criminal damage4c. To ensure that the field drainage system is working4d. To keep buildings in good order4e. To keep sports and playground surfaces in good condition5. A sustainable sportsground - Objectives:5a. To reduce, reuse, or recycle waste5b. To reduce pesticide use where practical6. A sportsground that addresses conservation and heritageObjectives:6a. To not plant ornamental non native plants at the northern end of thesite6b. To protect field and water course margins for wildlife where practical6c. To maintain the hedgerow boundaries6d. To restore the landscape character of the woodland6e. To retain and enhance flora and fauna by habitat management, andplanting7. A sportsground that encourages community involvement -Objectives:7a. To provide opportunities for healthy living7b. To engage the community in the management and development ofthe Sportsground7c. To allow a limited number of appropriate community events at theSportsground8. A well marketed and promoted sportsground - Objectives:8a. To improve marketing and promotion of the Sportsground to localpeople8b. To research our customers needs8c. To seek marketing and promotional opportunities that may arisethrough the town centre improvementsTonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 31

Part 3 – How will we get there?This section sets out how we are going to achieve our aims and objectives. A FiveYear Work Programme sets out long-term targets and Annual Action Plans, focusingon each year, will flow from this.12.0 Five Year Work ProgrammeEach objective, identified earlier at 11.0, will require a range of Projects to achievethem and these are highlighted within the Five Year Work Programme at Table 10.Projects are specific areas of work that may require investigation, costing,identification of funding and in some cases several tasks to complete them. The planalso indicates the compartment in which specific projects will be applied and theestimated year they will be implemented. The compartments are shown on theMaster Plan (Appendix 2) and each Project has been linked to its correspondingobjective.As highlighted at 4.0 – Grounds Maintenance, regular maintenance tasks arespecified within the Council’s GMC and due to the scale of the GMC it would beinappropriate to include this within this Plan. It is, therefore, recognised that as partof the management of the Sportsground the GMC will need to be implemented andmonitored alongside this Plan.13.0 Annual Action PlansA more detailed one-year Action Plan will be drawn up on an annual basis and willbe produced in accordance with the Five Year Work Programme. The Annual ActionPlan contains details of what exactly is to be done, when and by whom..Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 32

Table 10: Five Year Work ProgrammeObjectivesActionCompartmentYear 12009Year 220010Year 32011Year 42012Year 52013Project 1c1. Green Flag Award – Submit an application andachieve the award for the site.7a, 7b 2. Healthy Walks Programme – Maintain and developthe walks programme at the Sportsground encouragingthe involvement of volunteer walk leaders.8b3. Customer Survey – Carry out an on site customersurvey to seek the views of visitors. To be carried outprior to/and feed into the next five year plan.3e4. Site Specific Water Safety Strategy - Implementactions arising from the site specific strategy.7b, 2c 5. User Panel/Volunteer Group – Investigate andestablish a User Panel and/or Volunteer Group for theSportsground.1a6. Budget Control/Review – Manage expenditure inline with the agreed site budget. Prepare annual budgetestimates.3e, 6b 7. River Bank Stability – Investigate erosion controlmethods.3e8. Site Specific Risk Assessments – Develop a suiteof site specific risk assessments.All All All All All All 1 All Consultation Draft - Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 33

ObjectivesActionCompartmentYear 12009Year 22010Year 32011Year 42012Year 520131b, 3e 9. Bylaws – Investigate, develop and adopt new bylawsto cover the Sportsground.2b, 3e, 7c 10. Events – Encourage and support applications forappropriate events from recognised organisations andclubs. Consult the TSA on proposed events. Note:ensure that the Premise Licensing and PersonnelLicence is in place before appropriate events.8b11. Feedback From Clubs – Investigate opportunitiesto seek feedback from user sports clubs.3b, 3e 12. Tree surveys – Carry out an annual tree survey andimplement actions arising, as appropriate.6a, 6g 13. Planting – Review and re-design planting alongsidethe tennis courts and assess the need for protectivefencing.6d, 6e 14. Restore Tinkers Island Woodland – Review themanagement of the area with the potential for arestoration project.3a, 4a, 4b 15. Park Ranger – Review the level of site based staff(Rangers).6b, 6e 16. Habitat Management – Commission a baselinesurvey of wildlife and flora to indentify key speciespresent. Consider leaving uncut margins along somefield boundaries, to increase biodiversity and /or plantingwildflowers in these areas.All 1 All All 1 4 All All Consultation Draft - Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 34

ObjectivesActionCompartmentYear 12009Year 22010Year 32011Year 42012Year 520135b2c4a3e, 3b, 3d,4e17. Pesticide and chemical use – Investigatealternative pest, weed control methods and chemicalswhere appropriate and practical with the groundscontractors and others.18. Review Seating Provision – Review the currentlevel of seating provision.19. Review Dog Bin Provision – Review the currentlevel of dog bin provision.20. Play Equipment Replacement – Replace playequipment and associated surfacing as appropriate andin accordance with the Council’s Capital RenewalsProgramme. Note: consider DDA provision whenreplacing equipment and surfacing.2a, 2c, 7a 21. Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) – Install a newMUGA (ball court) and associated teen shelter (£70).3b, 3c, 3e 22. Bridge Refurbishment – Investigate and plan therenewal/repair of all bridges.1a, 8a, 8c 23. Town Centre Regeneration – Investigate andpursue opportunities for investment in the site fromdeveloper contributions.2c24. Access Audit – Implement actions arising from thesite specific audit.2a, 4e 25. Refurbish the Tennis Courts – Refurbish thetennis courts, subject to indentifying available funding.All All All 1 1 All All All 1 Consultation Draft - Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 35

ObjectivesAction7b26. Bowls Green – Investigate options for selfmanagementof the bowls green with the resident cluband TSA.2c, 4e 27. Review Orienteering Course – Review the fixedpoint orienteering course with the local club.2c, 8a 28. New Leaflet – Design and produce a promotionalsite-leaflet8a29. Site Signage – Review the current site signage andreplace/upgrade where appropriate (to include theprovision of a new main entrance board).3d30. Shade for the Play Area – Consider options forproviding shade in the play area.3d, 2c 31. Refurbish the Crazy Golf Course – Refurbish inaccordance with the Capital Renewals programme.2c, 3b, 3c, 32. Haysden to Penshurst Cycle Route – Establish7a2cmaintenance responsibilities and implement as required.33. Pitch Bookings – Encourage and promote thebooking of sports facilities in accordance with agreedpolicies and tenancy agreements.1f34. Annual Work Programming – Prepare AnnualAction Plans prior to the commencement of each year.1e, 2c, 1d 35. Tonbridge Sports Association – Attend regularTSA meetings, to seek views of users on how the site ismanaged and future improvements linked to demand.2a, 3b, 3c,4a, 4e, 6c36. Grounds Maintenance – Implement and monitorthe Council’s GMC.CompartmentYear 12009Year 220101 Year 32011Year 42012All All All 1 1 3 2,3 Year 52013All All All Consultation Draft - Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009-2013 36

Part 4 – How will we know when we have arrived?The final section looks at how we will track progress and how the Plan might beupdated.It is important to realise that a Management Plan is only a snap shot in time andmay need periodic updating to keep it relevant. This may include alterations toreflect policy changes, new innovation, changes in resources or feedback fromusers and others.Green Flag Award – The Plan has been written to meet the criteria for the GFAand form part of a successful GFA application. Its appropriateness can beassessed against the outcome of the application and the feedback reportreceived from the judges.Monitoring Progress – Progress will also be monitored against each AnnualAction Plan, at programmed weekly contractor meetings and at progressmeetings between the Leisure Services Manager (Outdoor) and the Senior ParksOfficer.Annual Management Plan Review – In order to keep the plan relevant, eachyear, prior to the start of the year, an annual review will be carried out. Much ofthe site description, policy and aims are unlikely to change from year to year, butthe final sections of the plan are more dynamic and the whole plan will needreviewing and updating where necessary. The most important part of the reviewwill be to look at the Five Year Work Programme and, from this, draw up the oneyearAnnual Action Plan for the coming year.End of Plan Review – Prior to the expiry of this Plan on 31 December 2013 a fullreview and rewrite will be carried out to develop a further Five Year ManagementPlan.Consultation Draft - Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 372009-2013

List of AppendicesAppendix 1 - Location PlanAppendix 2 - Master PlanAppendix 3 - Access AuditAppendix 4 - Map of Legal AspectsAppendix 5 - Chemicals used at TRSAppendix 6 - Sportsground BudgetAppendix 7 – Annual Action PlanConsultation Draft - Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan2009-201338

Figure 1Appendix 1Location Plan: RacecourseSportsgroundBased upon Ordnance Survey mapping with the permissionof the Controller of her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crowncopyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crowncopyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.Tonbridge & Malling BC Licence No. 100023300 2007

Based upon Ordnance Survey mapping withthe permission of the Controller of her Majesty’sStationery Office c Crown Copyright.Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crowncopyright and may lead to prosecution or civilproceedings. Tonbridge and Malling BoroughCouncil Licence No. 100023300.CPNKEYSite BoundaryWoodlandsDEACONS FIELDScattered Trees/ScrubBRIGHT FRIERS MEADOWCPCPGrasslandFootpathsCycle RouteBridgeVehicular/PedestrianPedestrian AccessWCPAWCCPPlay AreaToilets with DisableFacilitiesCar ParkCompartment 1 –Recreation:This compartment comprises of landcontaining the main amenities for thesite and a section of Riverside Walk.This is the most visited and populararea for frequentvisitors, and includesthe toilet block, large children’s playarea, Games Hut/refreshment kiosk,crazy golf, bowling green and four hardsurfaced tennis courts. The area isamenity grassland, with some plantingsof trees and shrubs. The wildlife valueof this area is limited by the high volumeof users and high frequent mainenance.Compartment 2 –Main Field:The area is used for football, cricketand rugby sports pitches, and as anevents field. It also contains themaintenance building for the site. Thearea is mown grassland with fewintrusions to open views. There is apath along the west boundary with ahedgeline which divided the field intwo.Compartment 3 –Sports fields known as ‘Bright friarsMeadow’ and ‘Deacons Field’:Mainly mown amenity grassland forrugby pitches during the winter months.Surrounded by rivers on two sides withdrainage ditches on another side. TheRailway line to Tonbridge forms thefinal boundary. A wild area behind ahedgerow is present along the northernboundary and a hedgerow along theeast boundary. A river channel runsalong both the southern and northernboundary. The land potentially hashigher wildlife value, than the southernend of the site.Compartment 4 –PATinkers Island:Mixed deciduos woodland. The islandis separated from the main site by watercourses and open drainage ditches onall sides but is accessible from the 4main site via two sleeper bridges. Theland potentially has higher wild value,2than the southern end of the site.13CPCPFishingBowlingTennisMini GolfCricketBaseballFootballRugbyMiniture RailwaySwimmingCanoeingDate: August 2006Scale: Not to ScaleAppendix 2

RACECOURSE SPORTSGROUND – ACCESS AUDITIMPROVEMENT PLANIssue Comment/Recommendation Cost (approximate) Priority1) CarIt would be desirable to increase the number of marked disabled baysParkingavailable in the nearby car parks.None. -RecommendationDPT has advised that designated disabled bays are provided inaccordance with the recommended national standard. Consideration isgiven to specific local circumstances and DPT has requested thatMembers of the Disability Working Party make contact direct if there arespecific problems associated with highlighted car parks in the area(Contact Roy Edwards – 01732 876317).2) Bridge fromLower Castle Fieldcar park3) Bridge nearestswimming poolGood sloped access from either end of the bridge. Condition of woodendecking fair but wearing.RecommendationContinue to monitor bridge conditionBridge is used by both pedestrians and cyclists. Tactile paving slabs arepresent on the bridge. Some tactile paving slabs are cracked and in need ofminor re-levelling.RecommendationReplace and re-level tactile paving as requiredWithin existing Budgets 3£600 14) Main entrance Main welcome sign located across a sloped cobbled area that limits closeaccess.RecommendationsRe-locate sign onto flat area nearer to the main path and at a height thatcan be read by all.5) Gateway entrance The main park gates are locked in a part open position (1.05 metres wide) toprevent vehicular access but allow pedestrian access. The width, angle, andslope of entry can cause some difficulty for less able users with electricpowered vehicles.£250 1Appendix 3

RecommendationWiden gate opening position.6) Toilets A separate disabled toilet is provided within the main toilet block that has aramped access and railings. There is however a step near the start of theramp, which means that access to this toilet is hampered for wheelchairusers.RecommendationComments have been passed on to TMBC’s Property Services whohave advised that these works will be considered within the proposedprogramme of works for 2006/7.7) Signs Directional finger signs point towards on site and nearby facilities. The text isgold on a black background. The contrast for lettering on these signs is notideal for the visually impaired.Completed gate nowbolted in wider positionWithin existing PropertyServices Budgets119) Children’s PlayAreaRecommendationNo proposed action – these signs are consistent with those providedthroughout the Town Centre and essential in maintaining a coordinatedapproach to signage in Tonbridge.Key issues arising from a detailed inspection are as follows:Gate at far end of play area opens outwards and intermittently restrictsaccess along the main path.- -RecommendationInvestigate options for improving access along main path.Existing disabled swing has no hard-standing access path leading to it, andthe harness seats are currently kept in box by the fence and need fitting by acarer – this reduces independence and makes them a challenge to use.RecommendationReplace the existing disabled swing to incorporate permanently fixedseats and review the provision of the harness box based on therequirements of the new swing.Accessible equipment is provided in the play area though some items do notUnknown£5,00033

have hard-standing paths leading to themRecommendationConsider paths to play equipmentTalking bobSpring horseMulti play unit with double width slideThe sand pit currently has a brick edge ½ metre high and is located somedistance from the nearest path making it difficult to access. Sand alsoaccumulates around the outside edge hampering access.RecommendationRemove sand that accumulates around the edge of the sand pit.Consider options for improving access to the sand pit, for example aramp into the sand pit and a path leading to it.£150£150£300Completed£1,00012313RecommendationConsider providing the access able play equipment listed in Annex 1.10) Games kiosk Access to this building is restricted for users, with no sloped access to theraised platform area at the front. There are also no retaining railings ormarkings at the edge of this.Already provided a new asingle point swing, needanother £3,000 toimplement other optionsidentified3RecommendationInvestigate options for improving access to the raised platform area.11) Places to rest The site has a variety of seating including benches, seats with backs andarms and picnic benches; though some minor improvements can be made indesignated areas.Unknown 2RecommendationsWhen replacing existing picnic tables consider the installation of seats £750 each As required

12) Crazy GolfCoursethat incorporate accessible seating and review their locationBrightfriars Meadow – replace or re-set the existing seat that iscurrently set too high in the ground.Limited access to some holes due to the fact that the ground has beenraised-up and has raised concrete edging.£600 2RecommendationNo amendments proposed at present – these features are integral to thedesign and usability of the course.13) Bowls Club Toilets – Portaloos are provided for users and concerns have been raisedthat these are confined and difficult to use for the less-abled.- -RecommendationContinue to support the Riverside Bowls Club in the development oftheir facilities. TMBC have already committed a capital grant to thedevelopment of new toilet facilities.14) Paths Many hard-standing paths are provided within the park and some are in needof remedial works.RecommendationBased on location and usage, adopt a phased programme to review theexisting path condition and carry out works as required and as fundingdictates.Walking tunnels of 2100mm high and 1200mm wide need to be kept clear ofvegetation growth at all times. Areas of concern include suckers from theRobinia tree outside the play area.RecommendationKeep paths clear of overhanging vegetation at all times as part of theroutine maintenance.15) Cycle Route Improves access to Tonbridge/ Haysden Country Park/ Penshurst Place.Surfacing of loose fill material picks-up in wheelchair wheels/ shoes in wetweather. Slope from Lower Castle Field extension car park is too steep.RecommendationThrough existing capitalbudgetsUnknown seeking quoteWithin existing budgets221

16) Junior Footballpavilion17) Lower CastleField Car Park -access from thefootpath18) Bridge toBrightfrairsMeadowNo changes to path surface material proposed at the present time.Reduce incline angle on slope to Lower Castle Field extension car park. £800 2The pavilion has an access ramp at the front of the building, thoughunfortunately this is some distance from the nearest path.RecommendationConsider issue in liaison with Tonbridge Sports Association and theMini-Soccer Alliance. Unknown 4New steps have no handrail and no defined area at the top to warn that this isa road/ car park for those with a visually impairment.RecommendationInstall handrail and tactile paving at top of steps. £1,500 3The tarmac paths at both ends of the bridge are reasonably steep.RecommendationInvestigate options for re-design to decrease the angle of slope at bothends. This area is within the Flood Plain and subsequently may haveassociated restrictions/complications.19) Web site No web page for the siteUnknown 521) PromotionalliteratureRecommendationAdd web page to main TMBC site, highlight accessibility of the siteusing plain English.At present limited promotional literature is published about the Sportsground.RecommendationInvestigate with KCC the provision of an access map for the site, aspart of their ‘Walks for All’ packs.Within existing budgets 1Within existing budgets2When opportunities arise provide more information about access in:Here & Now (write articles about the park and access)Leisure Guide (include a disabled symbol and details facilities)Access Guide (include details of facilities in public open spaces)Via the Kent Information FederationCurrent onsite interpretive information is not provided in all alternativeaccessible forms.Within existing budgets1

RecommendationInvestigate options for including Braille information and incorporatehearing posts where applicable.Unknown 4

PLAYGROUND CHECK LIST FOR DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT COMPLIANCEPlayground Site:Racecourse SportsgroundDate of Inspection: 26 July 2004Name of Inspector:PositionChris FoxLeisure Services OfficerEntrance/GatesOKActionRequired(a)Is the surface of at least one entrance into the play area level, firmand stable and of tarmac or concrete construction?Comments: Tarmac surfaces.✔(b) Does the gate have a minimum clearance width of at least 1m?Comments: Yes. ✔(c)(d)Is the entrance free of gullies, drains and protrusions and has nooverhanging plants or trees?Comments: None.Is the entrance susceptible to having standing water problems?Comments: Puddles have caused problems at one entrance inpast.✔✔(e)(f)(g)If there is a dog grid at the entrance, is it of the correct design andis it installed correctly, for example the right way round? (Incorrectinstallations can cause potential wheelchair, walking stick and pramtraps).Comments: None.Do users of the play area need to cross over extensive grassedareas to get to the entrance?Comments: No.What action needs to be taken to improve entrance/gates into theplay area to ensure children and their parents/carers of all abilitiescan gain access?Comments: None.✔✔✔

Paths and Routes within Play AreaOKActionRequired(a)(b)(c)(d)Is there a route within the play area which is firm and stable, oftarmac or concrete construction and provides access to each of theitems of play and other facilities?Comments: Path through the centre and from all gates.Is there a clear minimum path width throughout the route of at least1.2m?Comments: Paths are only 1m wide.Is the route free of gullies, drains and protrusions and has nooverhanging plants or trees?Comments|: Yes.Is any part of the route susceptible to having standing waterproblems?Comments: Unknown.✔✔✔(e)(f)(g)Are there steps within the route that cannot be avoided?Comments: None. ✔Are there warning signs on the surface of unavoidable steps, forexample painted step edges and/or tactile surfacing to the first andtop step?Comments: N/A.Are there continuous support handrails alongside unavoidablesteps, with a maximum external diameter grasp of 45mm and50mm? Do they extend 300mm beyond the top and bottom stepand do they curve downwards and under where the rail finishes?Comments: N/A.✔✔(h)(i)Is there room for a straight ramp to be installed as an alternative tounavoidable steps, with a gradient of 1:15 and a minimum width of1.2m?Comments: N/AWhat action needs to be taken to improve paths and routes aroundthe play area to ensure children and their parents/carers of allabilities have access to all appropriate play equipment and otherfacilities?Comments: Wider paths required.✔✔

Signage/WarningsOKActionRequired(a)Are there signs within the play area that are at a height that can beread by all play area users, including people in wheelchairs?Comments: One is missing.✔(b)(c)Do the signs make it clear that all children of all abilities arewelcome to use the play facilities?Comments: Yes.Are the signs in written as well as in a graphical or pictorial format?Comments: No, consider when signs are replaced. ✔✔(d)(e)(f)Are the signs tactile and/or audible?Comments: No, consider when signs are replaced. ✔Are the signs clear, with good colour definition?Comments: No, consider when signs are replaced. ✔Are there warning signs in appropriate places, allowing for childrenand carers with limited vision? For example, swing barriers paintedin a vibrant colour such as yellow, surface variations where a kerbis level with a pathway, at safe crossing points, etc?Comments: No swing barriers in place.✔(g)What action needs to be taken to ensure signage is accessible tochildren and their carers of all abilities and to improve signals toidentify routes and any potential dangers?Comments: Improve graphics and tactile elements when signsare replaced.✔

Play EquipmentNote: ‘Like or similar’ play experiences should be available to all site users, for example if there areslides, rockers and roundabouts in a play area, then all users should be able to have sliding, rocking androtating experiences, even if some users cannot access all play items or features.For example, a disabled child may not be able to play on a seesaw because of body support problems, butwould be able to have a similar rocking experience on a sit-in spring mobile.(a)Are the following play experiences currently available within the play area?Swinging ✔ Sliding ✔Rocking ✔ Rotating ✔Climbing/Agility ✔ Balancing ✔Crawling ✔ Viewing ✔Counting ✔ TouchingSocial Play✔(b)Are the following play experiences currently accessible by children of all abilities?Swinging ✔ Sliding ✔Rocking ✔ Rotating ✔Climbing/Agility Balancing ✔CrawlingViewingCounting ✔ Touching ✔Social Play✔(c)What action needs to be taken to allow accessibility by children of all disabilities to all types of playexperiences?Comments: Improve accessibility when installing new equipment is installed. Provide morelow level equipment for easy access with balancing, climbing and crawling activities.

FurnitureOKActionRequired(a)(b)Can the seating within the play area be accessed by children andtheir parents/carers of all abilities?Comments: Install seats with backs and arms.Can picnic tables be accessed by children and their parents/carersof all abilities?Comments: Only provided by ball court, more could be providedin the junior and toddler areas of the play area.✔✔This checklist is designed to provide practical help to playground owners and/ or operatorswhen they are deciding what steps they need to take to ensure their play areas meet therequirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.This should not be regarded as a definitive checklist.The checklist is based on the Wicksteed Leisure ‘A Guide to the Disability Discrimination Act1995’ published in 2003.

MU24This drawing is for illustrationpurposes only, always refer tothe legal documents for exactareas.Based upon Ordnance Survey mappingwith the permission of the Controller ofher Majesty’s Stationery Office Crowncopyright. Unauthorised reproductioninfringes Crown copyright and may leadto prosecution or civil proceedings.Tonbridge and Malling BC Licence No.100023300 2007Title: Management Planfor RacecourseSportsgroundSheet title: Figure 3:Legal aspectsDrawn By CFDate 27/7/06NScale Not to ScaleLegendSite BoundaryGreen Belt whole siteWell, water extractionAgreementsFootpath (PRoW)Route of Wealdway and EdenValley WalksAppendix 4

Chemicals used at TRSLocation Control Required Trade Name Active Ingredient ApplicationTimeArtificial SurfaceAlgae, Moss and LichenControlQualgexDialkyldimethylAmmonium Chloride9.9% w/w + Citric Acid +Penetrant.polyalkyl phenolic types(soap)Growing SeasonAlgae, Moss and Lichen ArmillatoxGrowing SeasonControlWeed Control Gallup Hi-Aktiv Amenity Glyphosate Growing SeasonBowls Green Selective Weed Control Bastion T 72g fluroxypyr and 300g Growing Seasonmecoprop-p per LitreGreenor40g fluroxypyr, 20g Growing Seasonclopyralid and 200gMCPA per LitreJunction Florasulam and 2,4-D Growing SeasonFungicide Mascot Contact Chlorothalonil Year RoundMasalon 45g/litre myclobutanil Year RoundRimidin Fenarimol Year RoundWorm Control Barclay Ringer Carbendazim As RequiredMoss Control Armillatox polyalkyl phenolic types Growing Season(soap)Lawn SandFerrous Sulphate plus As RequiredAmmonium SulphateMascot Soluble Iron Ferrous Sulphate As RequiredCricket Square /OutfieldSelective Weed Control Bastion T 72g fluroxypyr and 300gmecoprop-p per LitreGreenor40g fluroxypyr, 20gclopyralid and 200gMCPA per LitreGrowing SeasonGrowing SeasonAppendix 5Chemicals Update: February 2008

Chemicals used at TRSLocation Control Required Trade Name Active Ingredient ApplicationTimeJunction Florasulam and 2,4-D Growing SeasonFungicide Mascot Contact Chlorothalonil Year RoundMasalon 45g/litre myclobutanil Year RoundRimidin Fenarimol Year RoundWorm Control Barclay Ringer Carbendazim As RequiredMoss Control Armillatox polyalkyl phenolic types Growing Season(soap)Mascot Soluble Iron Ferrous Sulphate As RequiredGeneral Grass Areas Selective Weed Control Bastion T 72g fluroxypyr and 300g Growing Seasonmecoprop-p per LitreGreenor40g fluroxypyr, 20g Growing Seasonclopyralid and 200gMCPA per LitreJunction Florasulam and 2,4-D Growing SeasonFungicide Mascot Contact Chlorothalonil Year RoundMasalon 45g/litre myclobutanil Year RoundRimidin Fenarimol Year RoundWorm Control Barclay Ringer Carbendazim As RequiredMoss Control Armillatox polyalkyl phenolic types Growing Season(soap)Mascot Soluble Iron Ferrous Sulphate As RequiredSpot Weed (i.e. Thistle) Gallup Hi-Aktiv Amenity Glyphosate Growing SeasonBrushwood Timbrel 480g Triclopyr per Litre Growing SeasonChemicals Update: February 2008

Chemicals used at TRSLocation Control Required Trade Name Active Ingredient ApplicationTimeHard SurfacesAlgae, Moss and LichenControlQualgexDialkyldimethylAmmonium Chloride9.9% w/w + Citric Acid +Penetrant.polyalkyl phenolic types(soap)Growing SeasonAlgae, Moss and Lichen ArmillatoxGrowing SeasonControlWeed Control Gallup Hi-Aktiv Amenity Glyphosate Growing SeasonSand Pit Cleaning Liquid Bleach Sodium Hypocloride As RequiredLitter Bins Disinfectant General Disinfectant As RequiredSigns / Benches Cleaner / Degreaser Lifeguard Detergent Detergent As RequiredChemicals Update: February 2008

Racecourse SportsgroundRevenue Budget 2007/08Appendix 62007/08 NotesEstimateEXPENDITURE £Salaries & oncosts 15,500 Officer timeSite security 2,300 Patrol staff (costsshared with TonbridgeCastle)Building repairs expenditure 425Electricity charges 380Water Charges 1400Maintenance of grounds 144,800 Grounds maintenanceand other contractcostsInformation technology 126 Central office costsCentral salaries & admin 5550 allocated over allDepartmental admin 6400 Council facilitiesCapital charges 37050Total expenditure 213, 931INCOMERights over water/ land 4250 RentsMiscellaneous concessions 32689 Vending &bouncy castleSports pitch hire & casual sport use 29,588 Football, rugby, bowls,tennis, crazy golf, andbaseballTotal income 66,527Net Expenditure 147,404NB. These figures are the ‘baseline costs’ at the start of the management plan. AsRacecourse Sportsground budgets are not broken down specifically within the BudgetBook the above costs are based on our experience. Income from sports is paid directly tothe LSBU.

Racecourse SportsgroundAnnual Action Plan Year 1 (2009)Appendix 7In accordance with the Racecourse Sportsground Management Plan 2009/13 - Management Objectives item A18, this document outlinesthe various tasks that are expected to take place over the 12 month period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009. Like all workingdocuments it must be recognised that weather, seasonal changes and other factors can all have an impact on the programme.The Green Flag Criteria are:1 A well managed Sportsground2 A welcoming Sportsground3 A healthy, safe and secure Sportsground4. A clean and well maintained Sportsground5 A sustainable Sportsground6 A Sportsground that addresses conservation and heritage7 A Sportsground that encourages community involvement8 A well marketed SportsgroundCross reference tothe Green FlagAward criteria andthe letter denotes thelink to the objectiveDetailed description of whatactions are to be carried out in2009.Where is thework to becarried outin whichcompartmentWho isresponsible tocarry out thisactionTimeframe for thework J=Januaryand so onAction from the Five Year WorkProgramme with. the referencenumbersG/FcriteriaManagement Plan Action Specific tasks Comp Who Month

G/FCriteriaProjectSpecific tasksCompWhoMonthJ F M A M J J A S O N D1C 1. Green Flag Award Submit application for the Award. All CF 1CPrepare the site for judging. ALL ALL 7a, 7b 2. Healthy WalksVolunteer walk leaders to led ALL GF Programmewalks from the park.3e 4. Site specific water Implement next phase of actions. ALL JAD safety strategy 7b, 2c 5. User/ volunteer Group Investigate and establish a User ALL MH/ Panel and or volunteer group.JAD1a 6. Budget control/ review Manage budget in line with Council ALL JAD guidelines.Prepare annual budget estimates. ALL JAD 3e 8. Site specific risk Develop a suite of site specific risk ALL MH assessmentsassessments.2b, 3e, 10. Events Encourage and support1 JAD 7capplications for appropriate events.8b 11. Feedback from clubs Investigate opportunities forALL JAD feedback from sports user clubs.3b, 3e 12. Tree Surveys Seek quotes and order an annual ALL JAD tree survey.6a, 6g 13. Planting Seek quotes and order replantingof the beds alongside the tenniscourts.1 JAD

G/FCriteriaProjectSpecific tasks6b, 6e 16. Habitat Management Commission a baseline survey ofwildlife and flora to indentify keyspecies, consider options toimprove biodiversity.3e, 3b,3d, 4e2a, 2c,7a3b, 3c,3e1a, 8a,8c20. Play equipmentreplacementReplace play equipment andassociated surfacing asappropriate and needed.21. Multi use games area Seek quotes and order installationof a new ballcourt and teen shelter.22. Bridge refurbishment Investigate and plan the renewal ofall bridges.23. Town CentreregenerationInvestigate and pursueopportunities for investment in thesite from developmentcontributions.2c 24. Access Audit Implement next phase ofimprovements.2a, 4e 25. Refurbish tennis courts Seek quotes and orderrefurbishment of the tennis courtssubject to available funding.8a 29. Site signage Review current signage andreplace upgrade where needed.2c 33. Pitch bookings Encourage and promote bookingsof sports facilities with agreedpolicies and tenancy agreements.CompALLWhoCF/JAD1 CF MonthJ F M A M J J A S O N D 1 MH ALL JAD ALL MH ALL JAD 1 MH ALL CF 2, 3 SP

G/FCriteria1f1e, 2c.1d2a, 3b,3c,4a,4e,6cProject34. Annual workprogramme35. Tonbridge SportsAssociation36. Grounds MaintenanceContract monitoringSpecific tasksPrepare Annual Action Plan for2010.Attend regular meetings to seekthe views of users on how the siteis managed and futureimprovements linked to demand.Monitor the progress with theGrounds maintenance contractworks.CompWhoMonthJ F M A M J J A S O N DALL JAD ALLJAD/RJS/BEALL JAD