A skateboard competition took place at the Jesus Green skatepark on Saturday, September 26.
This was organised by Chypps, the young people's play activities team at Cambridge City Council.
This is exactly what the way the green should be used and a very good way to engage young people. It also follows a fantastic programme of events over the summer by this team, which kept thousands of children occupied and delighted during the holidays.
Children, parents and child care workers who used the scheme it was fantastic and let's hope they get the recognition they so richly deserve for their efforts.
Monday, 2 November 2009
DIsquiet over consultation process
Committee members of the JGA have written to the city council as we are concerned
about the current consultation over the new Jesus Green plans
The council is consulting a whole range of different organisations and groups, but the
JGA (set up as an independent voice to represent those with an interest in JG) has not been included in the list of those to be consulted.
The only mention of the JGA in the document is under 'Report' is where we learn that a report of the findings will be distributed to JGA (among others).
This only reinforces our suspicion that the council is trying to sideline the Association while driving an agenda that we might not want to support.
The play area questionnaire seems to cover the key questions but we are concerned about the following question in the extremely brief skateboard area questionnaire:
>
> "Would you like to see some equipment aimed at teenagers on Jesus Green?"
> Yes/No "If yes, what kind of equipment would you like to see?"
It seems pretty obvious that the answer will be "Yes" and that this will provide the council with the 'evidence' it needs to justify the creation of the 'adventure pay area' that keeps cropping up - in the lottery bid, the priorities list etc.
We have always expressed concern about this because details of what the council has in mind have never been forthcoming and we have doubts about whether such a thing is appropriate for the Green. The question of whether or not Jesus Green is the right place for something like this has never been raised by the council or discussed.
Although the framework is headed: "Consultation with children, young people and parents/carers re Jesus Green Play Park and Skate ramp" the very loaded question about equipment aimed at teenagers makes it clear that the council's thinking extends well beyond these two areas.
It would be worth reminding ourselves of the strongly supported views expressed at the JGA's two recent and well attended public meetings - our AGM on Tuesday 2 December last year and our extraordinary general meeting on Tuesday 17 March. The minutes of the AGM include this statement
" . . . there was much desire for maintenance and improvement of what
exists, but great dislike of novelty . . ."
A document opposing development of the Green, including an adventure play area, but supporting conservation, preservation and regular effective maintenance (incl skate board and children's play areas) was unanimously adopted at our EGM
Our next AGM will be on Thursday 3 December at which it would be good to express gratitude and support for things that the Association has been pressing for. However, we shall not hesitate to offer our members the chance to discuss issues that are of concern such as any plans to 'develop' the Green.
about the current consultation over the new Jesus Green plans
The council is consulting a whole range of different organisations and groups, but the
JGA (set up as an independent voice to represent those with an interest in JG) has not been included in the list of those to be consulted.
The only mention of the JGA in the document is under 'Report' is where we learn that a report of the findings will be distributed to JGA (among others).
This only reinforces our suspicion that the council is trying to sideline the Association while driving an agenda that we might not want to support.
The play area questionnaire seems to cover the key questions but we are concerned about the following question in the extremely brief skateboard area questionnaire:
>
> "Would you like to see some equipment aimed at teenagers on Jesus Green?"
> Yes/No "If yes, what kind of equipment would you like to see?"
It seems pretty obvious that the answer will be "Yes" and that this will provide the council with the 'evidence' it needs to justify the creation of the 'adventure pay area' that keeps cropping up - in the lottery bid, the priorities list etc.
We have always expressed concern about this because details of what the council has in mind have never been forthcoming and we have doubts about whether such a thing is appropriate for the Green. The question of whether or not Jesus Green is the right place for something like this has never been raised by the council or discussed.
Although the framework is headed: "Consultation with children, young people and parents/carers re Jesus Green Play Park and Skate ramp" the very loaded question about equipment aimed at teenagers makes it clear that the council's thinking extends well beyond these two areas.
It would be worth reminding ourselves of the strongly supported views expressed at the JGA's two recent and well attended public meetings - our AGM on Tuesday 2 December last year and our extraordinary general meeting on Tuesday 17 March. The minutes of the AGM include this statement
" . . . there was much desire for maintenance and improvement of what
exists, but great dislike of novelty . . ."
A document opposing development of the Green, including an adventure play area, but supporting conservation, preservation and regular effective maintenance (incl skate board and children's play areas) was unanimously adopted at our EGM
Our next AGM will be on Thursday 3 December at which it would be good to express gratitude and support for things that the Association has been pressing for. However, we shall not hesitate to offer our members the chance to discuss issues that are of concern such as any plans to 'develop' the Green.
Good news on path
It appears the JGA's pleas for maintenance on the green have finally been listened to.
Plans to repair the plane tree avenue path have been adopted by the city council for possible section 106 cash. In terms of city-wide priorities, this path is second on the list behind the refurbishment of the Kelsey Kerridge climbing wall (surely something of a niche activity).
That means Jesus Green could be in line for some planning gain money for next year - a better scenario than the previous situation where Jesus Green was denied any money at all because of the distant promise of millions (for a scheme we didn't want)
Well done to Tim Bick for speaking at the West/Central committee in support of Jesus Green.
Interesting how well the Newnham ward does well under the West Central area priorities. Six out of the seven area spending commitments are for Lammas Land (including improved kiosk, benches, river access shelter, shelter and paddling pool). Saying that their tennis court doesn't get a look in and it's just as bad as ours.
Plans to repair the plane tree avenue path have been adopted by the city council for possible section 106 cash. In terms of city-wide priorities, this path is second on the list behind the refurbishment of the Kelsey Kerridge climbing wall (surely something of a niche activity).
That means Jesus Green could be in line for some planning gain money for next year - a better scenario than the previous situation where Jesus Green was denied any money at all because of the distant promise of millions (for a scheme we didn't want)
Well done to Tim Bick for speaking at the West/Central committee in support of Jesus Green.
Interesting how well the Newnham ward does well under the West Central area priorities. Six out of the seven area spending commitments are for Lammas Land (including improved kiosk, benches, river access shelter, shelter and paddling pool). Saying that their tennis court doesn't get a look in and it's just as bad as ours.
Jesus Green AGM
The 2009 Jesus Green annual general meeting will take place in the Octagon Room of Wesley Church, in King Street, Cambridge, will take place on Thursday, December 3 at 7.30pm.
Please inform all JGA members and anyone else who is interested in the green or who wishes to become a JGA member.
An agenda for the meeting will be published on this site shortly
Please inform all JGA members and anyone else who is interested in the green or who wishes to become a JGA member.
An agenda for the meeting will be published on this site shortly
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