The Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee meeting on 17 June 2024 focused on several key issues, including the Nonsuch Parkrun, the installation of outdoor donation posts, a consultation on commercial dog walking, and planned maintenance for the park.

Nonsuch Parkrun Presentation

The meeting began with a presentation by Rob Pinchbeck, Run Director of Nonsuch Parkrun, highlighting the organisation's contributions to the park and the wider community. Discussions covered:

• Green Travel and Car Parking: Efforts to encourage runners to use green travel methods, such as walking or cycling, were discussed. Pinchbeck mentioned that bike racks with a capacity for around 60 bikes are provided, and runners are informed about limited car parking through the Parkrun website and pre-run briefings.
• Charity Support: Nonsuch Parkrun supports food banks in Epsom and Sutton and raises money for the Royal Marsden Hospital through their 5k runs.
• Cycle Racks: The need for more bike racks was noted, though there are resourcing issues due to the requirement for more volunteers.
• Accessibility and Attendance: The Parkrun aims to be inclusive and does not limit the number of participants. On average, 650 people attend, with numbers reaching around 970 at peak times.
• Marshalling: Volunteers help manage the runs by acting as marshals around the park.

Outdoor Donation Posts

The committee received an update on the Outdoor Donation Post project and approved progressing with the installation in the first quarter of the new financial year. Key points included:

• Installation and Costs: The committee will bear the responsibility and cost of installation, estimated at £2,500, with the remaining 50% funded by the Friends of Nonsuch.
• Planning Permission: The need for planning permission is being investigated.
• Donation Mechanism: The post will accept card donations only, with a standard donation amount, potentially up to £5.
• Communications: Effective marketing and public communications are deemed crucial for the success of the donation post.
• Power Source: Solar panels were considered but found unreliable.

The committee unanimously resolved to accept the 50% contribution from the Friends of Nonsuch and authorised the Committee Clerk and Chair to make the decision for the capital investment of the remaining 50%.

Commercial Dog Walking Consultation

The committee discussed a proposed consultation questionnaire to gauge public opinion on a pilot licensing scheme for commercial dog walking in Nonsuch Park. Key points included:

• Condensing the Questionnaire: The questionnaire will be made more succinct.
• Individual Charge: Each dog walker will require a licence, not a company-wide licence.
• Dog-Free Areas: Dogs are allowed off-lead except in designated dog-free areas.
• Hi-Vis Identifiers: The feasibility of dogs wearing hi-vis identifiers will be investigated.

The committee authorised the Chair and Committee Clerk to finalise the questionnaire and commence the six-week consultation on 1 April 2024.

Planned Maintenance Report Update and 2024-25 Priority Works

The committee reviewed the current financial year’s priority planned maintenance programme and approved the proposed priority works for 2024-25. Discussions included:

• Formal Garden Fence Repair: The repair of the damaged fence was not considered a priority, but cost-reduction options will be explored.

The committee resolved to note the progress of the current works and approved the proposed priority works for 2024-25.

NJMC Finance Report & Budget 2024/25

The committee reviewed the financial forecast for 2023/24 and approved the budget for 2024/25. Key points included:

• Clarification of Contributions: Each of the two authorities will contribute £111,000, totalling £222,000.
• Reduced Contributions: Contributions have decreased compared to the previous year, partially offset by income from the property estate.
• Equal Contributions: Equal contributions from Epsom & Ewell and Sutton Councils are required, and the aim is for the park to become self-funding.

The committee unanimously resolved to note the latest forecast, agree on the revenue budget, and seek the contributions from both councils.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Minutes of the Previous Meeting and the Public reports pack.