An exciting and ambitious vision for the provision, management and maintenance of open spaces in the local area, has been approved by South Ayrshire Council.
Taking account of public feedback from consultations in 2011, the draft Open Space Strategy is aimed at providing and managing high quality parks, estates, woodland, recreation, sports and play areas for the benefit of local people and visitors to the area.
Two of the main features will be to set the direction for other Council plans, such as sports, leisure, tourism and economic development and bring together historical and cultural elements, important to the local community, to provide spaces that are sensitive and responsive to changing needs.
The draft strategy also includes a commitment to deliver key aims in the Council's Community Plan by promoting improved health and wellbeing, social inclusion, a more sustainable environment and long-term economic growth.
Welcoming the decision, Councillor Peter Convery, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment said: "This is excellent news for our local residents and visitors to South Ayrshire. High quality, well maintained open spaces are vitally important and we aim to make them even better.
"Open spaces improve the appearance of towns and villages, provide areas for recreation, sport and play, directly contributing to improving people's physical and mental health.
"As well as that, they offer invaluable environments for events, learning and socialising, effectively bringing people together, strengthening family and community bonds.
"The response from the public in 2011 was excellent and I'm very keen to encourage more people to look at this draft and make their views known. The strategy will have a long-lasting impact and we now have a real opportunity to make a significant difference to local communities and to South Ayrshire."
The draft strategy focuses on three main outcomes.
- Creating attractive, safe and sustainable environments by enhancing local landscapes and their character. This will provide attractive settings, protect and enhance biodiversity and help manage pollution, noise and flooding.
- Supporting communities in identifying and developing opportunities for outdoor leisure, recreation, environmental education and relaxation through the best use of communal spaces.
- Improving South Ayrshire's towns and villages by enhancing the visual quality of the built environment as well as supporting employment and economic growth by attracting inward investment and tourism.
Nine key open space areas are also identified within the strategy: Estates and Parks; Trees and Woodland; Open Spaces in Communities; Allotments and Community Gardens; Play Areas; Paths and Access; Sports Pitches and Tennis; Golf and Bowling and Contingency Uses – such as managing unauthorised encampments and reducing problems caused by extreme weather conditions.
Councillor Convery continued: "The social, cultural and economic importance of the Open Space Strategy is crucial. High quality, well designed and properly maintained open spaces can help reduce vandalism, provide excellent locations for events and attract tourists."
He concluded: "The new strategy is a very significant piece of work and will bring many elements of current Council operations together, offering community based solutions that are well thought out, relevant, affordable and sustainable."
The draft strategy document is available for further public comment and feedback during a six week consultation process between 23 January and 4 March 2012.
Paper copies of the strategy and feedback forms will also be available in all public libraries and from Burns House and County Buildings in Ayr.