Grainville Playing Fields: Designation as recreational space as a 'Queen Elizabeth Field'

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A decision made 18 April 2012:

Decision Reference:MD-ESC-2012-0009
Decision Summary Title):	Designation of Grainville Playing Fields as recreational space		Date of Decision Summary:	17th April 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Mel Pardoe		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title:	The protection of Grainville playing fields		Date of Written Report:	17th April 2012
Written Report Author:	Mel Pardoe		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Proposed designation of Grainville Playing Fields as recreational space in perpetuity under the ‘Queen Elizabeth Field Challenge’ scheme
Decision(s): The Minister decided – To recommend that the Minister for the Treasury and Resources designates the cricket pitch and rugby field at Grainville School as a ‘Queen Elizabeth Field.’ This will mean that the land is designated for the future as a recreational outdoor space.
Reason(s) for Decision: a) To safeguard an important area of recreational space for future generations b) To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year
Resource Implications: None.
Action required: Under Standing Order 168, agreement by the Minister for Treasury and Resources is required for this designation. The Minister for Treasury and Resources will therefore need to sign a Ministerial Decision to this effect, and present a report to the States detailing the proposal which he has accepted. The ESC Department will designate the land with Fields in Trust and arrange the necessary paperwork and formalities.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Education, Sport and Culture
Date Signed:		Date of Decision:

Grainville Playing Fields: Designation as recreational space as a 'Queen Elizabeth Field'

The protection of Grainville Playing Fields

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge is a UK initiative to celebrate HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by permanently protecting hundreds of outdoor recreational spaces – the target being 2,012 spaces and beyond.

The Minister for Education, Sport and Culture is committed to the importance of recreational spaces for the community. Therefore he is proposing that part of the Grainville playing fields (currently used as the cricket ground and rugby pitch), are dedicated to this cause. The fields would attain Queen Elizabeth II Fields status.

Once lost, recreational space is lost for ever. In Jersey we have a finite resource and we must protect it for future generations. Access to outdoor space is vital for communities and plays an important role in providing a place for both physical activity and relaxation. Sport and play are essential tools for developing confidence, self-esteem and learning the importance of team work. It is well documented that community recreation reduces alienation, loneliness and anti-social behaviour whilst also promoting ethnic and cultural harmony.

As 2012 sees the celebration of both the Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queen Elizabeth II Field dedication will also prove an ideal opportunity to mark this occasion in the Jersey Community.

This scheme is administered by Fields in trust. Their role will be advisory only. Ownership of the site will remain with the States. All of the day to day decision regarding the fields would remain with the Department. Fields in Trust would only need to know about any potential disposals, including wayleaves, leases, transfers and sales. Fields in Trust would also need to be consulted about any building works on the site that lie outside the agreed use of the site.