Local community representatives and residents raised concerns over the future of the Portsea Adventure Playground at a meeting with council officers earlier this week.
A meeting was called at the request of volunteers involved with the Portsea Adventure Play Association after the city council prepared to move staff between the city’s other five adventure playgrounds. Proposals would mean the popular deputy manager at the site moving elsewhere in the city.
At the outset of the meeting council officers told play association volunteers and Cllr Stephen Morgan, ward councillor for the area, that managers would not change their mind over the staffing moves, despite concerns raised and a petition from local people.
Community representatives were concerned staffing changes would mean more changes afoot at the popular play facilities on Aylward Street, Portsea.
Pressed on the issue, now council staff have provided much-needed assurances to local people that the future of the adventure playground in the heart of Portsea is secure.
Cllr Stephen Morgan, Labour’s deputy group leader said:
Cllr Stephen Morgan speaking at the Portsea Adventure
With such fantastic and active local people involved in the delivery of this service in the heart of Portsea, I think the council needs to do more to engage these volunteers in any changes to the service much earlier on in the process in future.
Without their passion and giving up their time for free, the service just wouldn’t run.
Whilst there is obvious disappointment about the changes to the staff team, we are assured the council have confirmed the future of the popular playground is secure. That’s what our community deserves”.
Portsea Adventure Playground is a free adventure play facility in the heart of Portsmouth, staffed by dedicated and qualified staff supplied by Portsmouth City Council. At adventure playgrounds children make their own choices about what they want to do, motivating them to become independent and boost their confidence.
