Monday 20 October 2014
Media Enquiry from Laura Clayton, Island FM:
I initially sent the below query to Denise on Friday 10th October and tried to chase it for a reply last week but she never got back to me. We have run the initial story and I would like the response from Environment please:
2) - Saumarez Park Playground - I have been contacted by some parents asking what is going on with the play ground and why is it not ready etc.They have been told it is being funded by charitable donations, and the fundraisers themselves have responded to their questions - but again questions are being asked about why 'the States' aren't paying for it. So could Environment please confirm:
Is any states money going towards the play park redevelopment?
If not, why not?
Does the States of Guernsey pay for any of the island's playgrounds?
Environment Department Response:
The Saumarez Park playground was originally built in 1971 and was funded through monies raised by the Lyons Club of Guernsey. The playground was refurbished in 1988 again largely funded by the Lyons club but with some funding from the Gambling Control Committee Lottery fund. In 1993 the playground underwent a second refurbishment at a cost of £180,000 funded through company sponsorship and private donations. There is, therefore a long history of private donations and sponsorship which has enabled the provision of this facility which has served many generations of Guernsey Children. The Department is delighted and extremely grateful that the Friends of Saumarez Park are keeping this tradition going and that they have, through sterling efforts, raised the funds for the first phase of the rebuild of the playground.
The Environment Department is not responsible for any other playgrounds and hence is unable to comment on how they are funded. The Department does of course commit funds to the ongoing annual maintenance and inspections of the playground and has recently funded the improved ground drainage around the playground.
ENDS
