28 July 2026 - DRAFT Recreation Committee
Minutes of the Ruskington Parish Council Recreation Committee meeting on Tuesday 28th July at 6.30pm at Ruskington Parish Office.
Please note: These are DRAFT Minutes and liable to change up to and includingt the date of the next meeting.
Present: Cllr M Trolley (Chairman of the Committee), Cllr L Sheldon, and Cllr B Harrison.
In attendance: Kirsty Sinclair (Deputy Clerk & RFO)
3 members of the public were in attendance.
Cllr Trolley opened the meeting at 6.32pm. Public session took place after the election of Chair.
1. To elect a Chair of the Recreation Committee for the civic year.
Action: It was RESOLVED for Cllr Trolley to become Chair of the Recreation Committee. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.
Public session
Representatives from the Finley’s Fundraiser Group attended as they were aware of item 9 on the agenda to discuss their application to hold another event in July 2027. They expressed their reasons for choosing these dates. There was a discussion regarding hold a collaboration with the council’s event already scheduled for the 17th July 27 but this was declined. Full council will consider the second date proposed by the group of 10th July 27 at its next full council meeting in September.
The Chair of the Lions Junior Football Club came to the meeting to express their plans for further outreach into the community including working closer with the Parish Council. It was agreed that a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss future plans and requirements at Parkfield would benefit both parties particularly with upcoming renovations.
2. To elect a Vice-chair of the Recreation Committee for the civic year.
This item was deferred until more committee members were present.
3. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
Apologies were received from Cllr Cunningham. Cllr Conway was absent.
Action: It was RESOLVED to accept the reasons for absence from Cllr Cunningham. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.
4. To receive declarations of interest and to consider applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs. Disclosure of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests is to be in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs. The need for Disclosure is to be based upon agenda items or at any suitable time during the meeting when it becomes apparent to a member.
None were declared.
5. To review the Terms of Reference for the Recreation Committee and consider any amendments for recommending to full council.
Action: It was RESOLVED to recommend the DRAFT Terms of Reference for the Recreation Committee to Full Council with no amendments. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.
6. To review recreation expenditure to date.
An update was given. No expenditure outside of routine payments and maintenance had been spent other than a bench for Hillside Play Area.
7. To receive an update from the RFO on recent Recreation matters including:
7.1. The lease for Hillside Play Area
The RFO had chased NKDC for an update but one had not been received to date.
7.2. The quotes for wet pour surfacing at Beck Close
One quote had been obtained for £18,000. The committee agreed this was too much to spend on surfacing around old equipment. Play area to be maintained as it currently is until funding or budget allows for upgrades. See item 16.
7.3. The 4G surface at Parkfield
The contractor is due to start work on Monday 3rd August 26 with work expected to take 2-3 weeks.
7.4. The pavilion renovation
The contractor has confirmed and a DRAFT contract is being drawn up for council consideration. The Section 106 money to cover the cost of the renovation will be requested this week.
8. To consider the application from a resident to hold a charity event at Parkfield on the 18th June 2027 and consider any fees for use of the facilities.
Action: It was RESOLVED to recommend to full council that the event be approved for the 18th June 27 at a cost of £150. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.
9. To consider the Finley Fundraiser Group holding another event in July 2027 and consider any fees for use of the facilities.
This was discussed in public session. No more comments were made.
10. To consider arrangements for the Lions JFC to use alternative facilities during the pavilion renovation.
A meeting with the Lions to be arranged to discuss solutions.
11. To consider future storage requirements for recreation and maintenance equipment.
To be discussed following the meeting with the Lions as this will provide more information on storage requirements.
12. To review the fees for hiring the facilities at Parkfield for the 26/27 and 27/28 including block bookings or annual booking discount for the 4G pitch.
Action: It was RESOLVED to recommend to full council the following fees for the remainder of 26/27. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.
Pavilion and field hire for day events: £50 for local charity, £150 for national charity and £250 for a business.
Pavilion only (after renovation) - to match the Village Hall rates.
MUGA was previously agreed at £25 per hour after renovation. However, the committee would like full council to consider a 10% discount for block bookings.
13. To review the regulations and signage for the new 4G pitch.
Temporary signage, like a banner, to be installed until a booking system is in place. Once a booking system is up and running, a more permanent sign with QR code to booking facility to be installed. Ideas and costs to be looked at and discussed at the next meeting.
14. To consider the expenditure for the shared maintenance of the 4G pitch and any maintenance equipment required.
Action: It was RESOLVED to recommend to full council that the quote for £680+VAT for external maintenance be approved and to purchase a stiff bristle brush for weekly inhouse maintenance. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.
15. To consider ways to increase the range of sports and recreational activities offered at Parkfield playing fields.
Council has already agreed future projects from the S106 survey which include half-court basketball court and trim trail around Parkfield playing field to include exercise equipment and benches. These will be investigated further and funding sources identified for 27/28 and beyond.
16. To consider any projects and expenditure to inform the 27-28 budget.
Beck Close and Hillside play areas require much needed attention.
Action: It was RESOLVED to recommend to Full Council that a budget of £15,000 exclusively for these play areas be added to the 27/28 budget, if possible. Additional funding sources will also be researched. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.
17. To agree the dates and times for the next Recreation Committee meetings.
Next meeting will be held on 6th October at 6.30pm.
The meeting was closed at 9.11pm.