The need to find alternative sources of funding for Cantley Park was highlighted at last night’s inaugural Cantley Park stakeholders engagement event.
Representatives from groups that use the facility, off Twyford Road, were shown the park is predicted to lose more than £225,000 this year.
Organisations represented included football clubs, archery, hockey, tennis, Wokingham theatre and Cantley House hotel – which hosted the event.
Those present were asked to consider ways to make better financial use of the park, although Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for business development, sport and the arts, was keen to stress the council currently has no plans to introduce parking charges.
He said: “Like so many local people, I love Cantley Park – it is one of the jewels in the borough’s crown and provides a fantastic green space for sport, leisure and relaxation. We need it to not just survive but to continue to thrive.
“But the fact is that it costs a lot of money to run, maintain and improve, so we have to work with those who use it to reduce the burden on taxpayers by making the park self-sustaining.”
The council asked groups to think of ways the park can generate more income, in advance of the next meeting in June.
By far the largest expense at the park is maintenance at £194,200. Other significant expenses include employees (£84,400).
The cafe was also shown to be losing money.
Income from pitch hire was shown to be £172,000.
The council is welcoming suggestions as the how Cantley Park can generate more income to address the current losses.
Cllr Ashwell said: “It was great to start these discussions.
“Too often in the past, the borough council has come up with a solution on its own, but we are determined to change that, and properly include residents and organisations in discussion and decisions.
“Collaborating in this way is part of our commitment to the Communities Vision 2035, which was produced by partners across the borough to set out where we want to be in the years ahead.
“We don’t know what the outcome of this will be, and cannot guarantee everybody will get what they want – but we will listen to ideas and try to seek a consensus among those most affected.”
You can email news@wokingham.today with your suggestions, which will be passed on to the council.
