Parkwood Future
Hi all,
Thanks for the support at last night’s Parkwood meeting. We had 28 in attendance the majority of whom signed to say that they would be happy to provide either regular or occasional support.
It’s too soon to have fully analysed the outcome of the deliberations of the three discussion sub-groups but I thought that you’d like initial feedback so that some things can start to move along:
reported strong feedback that users would like to see the site run along “professional” lines “as a business”, with strong “expert” marketing.
From a “Brighton” viewpoint they identified a need for communications within groups as an issue (to ensure that everyone gets the message).
They wanted better publicity/priority being given to Brighton Groups, increased parent awareness (open days) and simplified booking procedures for Brighton users (electronic, e-mail), plus clarity on the responsibilities of Groups for their sites.
From an “outsiders” viewpoint they thought that the toilets, kitchen and parking were the big turn-offs. They thought that the site would benefit from wardens at weekends who had knowledge and experience of the site and local amenities, routes for local walks, swimming pool locations etc. They suggested that wardens require training and a clear set of rules (what to do if ………………..) and wanted help and assistance to be provided on a “professional/structured” basis.
The Working Crew
This discussion group identified things to be done this spring as:
Overall site security – boundary fence repairs (s)(I have added (s) to identify site things, (b) for buildings things, (o) for organisation things and (a) for activity things)
Assessment of sites – open areas/grass coverage/bridges/access/ditches (s)
Waste provisions + recycling facilities (s)
Hygiene, deep cleaning, deodorisers & toilet rolls in toilets (b)
Lighting in tidy cabin – renew (b)
Bunkhouse covers & flooring (b)
Furniture review requirements in buildings (b)
What to do leaflet rack + local facilities info (b)
Organise a working day (o)
Establish crew activities (o)
Assess & repair orienteering course (a)
Assess & upgrade nature trail (a)
This group then identified things to include in plans for the next five years:
Upgrading camp sites – shelters, alter fires etc (s)The Marketing Group
Upgrading water main to wash-up area (s)
Upgrading standpipe taps – brick structures? (s)
Soap / hand dryers in toilets (b)
Upgrade urinals + separate toilets for Leaders (b)
Establish a “maintenance crew” and an “activity crew” (o)
Upgrade the assault course (a)
This discussion group covered a lot of ground, partly confirming the target markets and partly refining the targets. It covered a lot of ground in respect of website and use of the internet. The group also discussed a “campsite pack” and brochure. Marketing is the key area for action and needs greater input, preferably from someone with marketing skills.
Cross-over issues with other groups include:
Activities & equipment availability (a)In addition, as a complete group we discussed the possible re-branding as Brighton Parkwood with mixed outcome. It was thought beneficial for people outside the area but there were concerns about whether it could be misleading. We might consider Brighton Scouts’ Parkwood? However, it would probably be better to stick with just “Parkwood” but with the tag used as appropriate to the target. For internet use just Parkwood is OK because tags can be added as keys to grab people searching for Brighton Campsites, East Sussex Campsites etc.,
Open day / parent involvement (o)
A need for campsite and local area information
Parking (s)
Finally the idea of starting a “1st Parkwood Group” was aired. All members of all Brighton Groups would automatically be members of the 1st Parkwood. It would meet at Parkwood on Saturdays, maybe not every Saturday but there would be a full programme of Scouting in the morning for the benefit of all. This idea was well received – watch this space!
That’s all for now folks – I will try to plan a way forward from this and let you all know as soon as I can.
Best Regards and Thanks to all who attended.
Geoffrey