Work has started to fence off the children’s play equipment at Delancey Park despite some complaints from parents who had hoped to make use of the playground over the schools’ Easter holidays.
The equipment is being fenced off permanently in a bid to improve safety for the children using it from cyclists and dogs.
The work was only announced on Monday, after it had started, with some outcry in response amongst residents, mainly in part due to the timing.
St Sampson’s Douzaine had said the work had to take place now, because it was scheduled around the availability of the contractor.
The park is owned by the Parish of St Sampson’s and leased to the States Committee for Education, Sport, and Culture.
The Douzaine this week told Express that it has received “regular complaints” about dogs and cyclists in the play area so it had to act to make it safer for everyone.
“Historically the Constables have received regular complaints regarding dogs within the park – dog fouling, uncontrolled dogs off lead bothering children and other dogs (in some cases attacking other dogs or users of the park). In addition the Constables have received regular complaints regarding cycling within the park.
“Notwithstanding the issue of cycling within Delancey Park generally cycling within the Childrens Play Area is clearly very dangerous and also destructive as regards the safety surfaces within the Play Area.
“The Douzaine has for a number of years wished to both clearly deliniate the play area and install a barrier to exclude dogs and cyclists from the play area.”
Wider developments at Delancey Park include work by the Velo Club to develop a ‘pump track’ on the old tennis courts, and a new kiosk is planned for the old pavilion.
The Douzaine said it welcomes all the developments alongside all existing users of the park.
However, it added that there will be some new rules around vehicle access to the park.
“The Constables and the Douzaine are keen to see Delancey Park developed as a multi use recreational space particularly mindful of the continued high density housing and commercial development with the parish and see the installation of this fence as a first step to improving park user experience,” they said.
“In addition vehicular access to the park is to be restricted with new barriers which should prevent damage by vans and cars which in the past have driven over and parked on the grassed surfaces.
“Regrettably the football pitch and goals were removed some years ago and the tennis courts fell into disuse. Cricket is also no longer played at Delancey Park. The bowling green is still well used however.
“It is understood that fund raising for the ‘pump track’ is progressing well.”