Further Residents Satisfaction Survey (June 2001)

The Council carried out a further survey among residents in June 2001 concentrating on a number of other issues included within which were Parks and Open Spaces and Outdoor Sport and Recreation.

Parks and Open Spaces

Parks and open spaces are widely used, particularly by the younger residents and those with children.  Walking tends to be the most widespread activity in such areas followed by visits to play areas and taking shortcuts to another location such as shops.

Residents were generally satisfied with the way in which their local open spaces were cared for although some would welcome more litterbins and seats.  There were some residents who were dissatisfied with aspects such as general cleanliness and the condition of the paths.  Graffiti and vandalism was thought to be a problem in parks in some areas.

Overall two-thirds were satisfied with the amount of open space in their area.

Reducing vandalism, providing more interesting features together with more information on the open spaces in their area might all have a positive affect on usage of these areas.

Around half the residents were familiar with the Fareham in Bloom initiative but few had actually taken part.  Residents were almost universal in their agreement that well maintained open spaces are important to them and they were also very appreciative of the floral displays and hanging baskets around the town centre.  They would welcome more trees and there is interest in certain areas reverting to a more natural habitat.

If funds became available for improvements, six in ten would like to see park-keepers re-instated, half would like to see more seats and litter/dog bins.  There was also support for more lighting / other security measures in parks and more trees and shrubs being planted.

The more important aspects of the parks, open spaces and recreational grounds service were thought to be the provision of parks and open spaces at current levels, the foreshore, woodland areas and nature conservation. 

Outdoor Sports and Recreation

Although seven in ten residents said they were aware that the Council provided outdoor sports facilities, usage levels were fairly low.  Football was the most widely mentioned activity followed by tennis and cricket.

Lack of participation in outdoor sports at Council owned facilities was generally because the residents did not wish to participate in sport or were simply too busy to do so.  Some played sport elsewhere.

Those who had visited such a venue were often fairly passive about the standard of service provided suggesting that they had not been particularly involved. They were also often undecided on whether or not the facility provided value for money.

Some might be willing to accept a small increase in charges to have improvements to these facilities.  Designated dog walking areas, all weather pitches and higher standards of maintenance were the preferred areas for improvement.

Whilst four in ten had no preference as to who undertook the maintenance of the Council's parks, open spaces and recreation grounds, a third felt that the responsibility should rest with the Council.