MORE than half of the town council-owned children’s play parks in Minehead could be closed and equipment removed to allow councillors to focus money on those which are most used.

It follows analysis which showed the town council owned more than double the number of play areas of some towns in Somerset which had larger populations.

Yet, a number of the play areas were used only occasionally, and some not at all.

Now, town councillors will be asked at a meeting on Tuesday night (October 27) to rationalise the portfolio by investing only in the top five most used of its 12 play areas.

Deputy town clerk Jo Chapman said ‘prioritised’ play areas could be selected based on their usage, location, and accessibility.

Investment would be phased over several years instead of following the current cycle of a full renewal followed by gradual decline.

Ms Chapman said: “This approach provides predictable delivery for the council and demonstrates consistent improvements to residents.”

The Irnham Road play area in Minehead shows strong use by children.
The Irnham Road play area in Minehead shows strong use by children. (MTC)

She said the other seven underperforming or defunct town council-owned play areas should have any safe and useable equipment shared among the top five, with any no longer fit for purpose scarpped.

Ms Chapman also proposed developing the King George V Playing Field, in Alcombe, as a central youth hub because it was well-located with strong pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle access.

She said it could be a site for a pumptrack, the existing football pitch would be retained, and the pavilion could become a tenanted refreshment outlet, creating a new income stream for the council.

Ms Chapman said the new policy would see Somerset Council-owned parks maintained only while the unitary authority provided funding.

She also recommended expand youth engagement and holiday provision by partnering with local organisations such as Minehead Eye and sports clubs, delivering structured holiday activities within an agreed budget.

A youth consultation should be carried out to identify desired facilities and ensure investment aligned with actual needs.

Ms Chapman said the analysis was carried out to assess the level of usage of each play park and to outline a ‘manageable, cost-effective strategy for the future management of these assets’.

She said: “Public play parks are designated outdoor spaces for children’s recreation, socialisation, and physical activity.

“They contribute significantly to community wellbeing by offering safe, accessible environments for play.

Alcombe's King George V Playing Field could become a youth hub under a new strategy being looked at by the town council.
Alcombe's King George V Playing Field could become a youth hub under a new strategy being looked at by the town council. (MTC)

“However, they also present challenges to maintenance, safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

“These factors must be considered when planning improvements of future investment.”

The study found the sea front pirate ship and swing was consistently the most used play area, while Cross Farm Park and Irnham Recreation Ground showed strong, stable usage.

Several sites showed zero or near-zero usage, raising questions about long term viability, with remote or small-scale neighbourhood parks such as Sycamore Road and Teal Road showing no recorded activity.

Ms Chapman said the town council had two main sources of funds for play area spending, one being an earmarked reserve of £17,000 and the other money from legal agreements with housing developers which currently totalled £67,555.

However, while small pieces of play equipment could cost as little as £690, large multi-play structures could be more than £100,000.