1.3.1
The Council continues to be the major provider with 15 ½ greens at 11 sites. A plan of the distribution of greens is provided at Appendix 1.3 A to this paper. One private green is provided at Bournemouth Electric Club.
Since 1996 the number of people participating in outdoor bowls at the Council's sites has continued to decline. In real terms income at constant prices has reduced by an average of 25%, with a range between 9% and 49%. An analysis of the trading pattern and of season ticket sales is provided at Appendices 1.3 B and C to this paper. The impact of the reduced use is that it still cost more to provide bowls in 2001 than it did in 1996 despite externalisation of the facility management at the majority of the sites to the bowls clubs/concessionaires.
By contrast the indoor bowls facilities at Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Centre have proven very successful with a membership of approximately 1,000 on the 9-rink facility.
1.3.2 Council Provision for the Future
In order to provide a sustainable future for bowling in Bournemouth, it is proposed that performance criteria be set for each site primarily based on income per green, with season ticket sales at a level of 50 per green a suggested minimum.
Once a site falls below this performance criterion, it its proposed it would automatically trigger a performance review by the Council in association with the Bowling Clubs affected, and the local Bowling Associations, to include:
- Cost reduction measures, linked to increased involvement by Clubs in both site management and building maintenance, to include consideration of a site-based trust.
- Bowls development work by Clubs associated with the Council.
- Potential closure of the facility.
It is acknowledged that there needs to be a balanced geographical spread of greens and that at certain sites the green(s) form an integral part of the park. However, effective use of open space to meet the needs of the local community may on occasions suggest a more beneficial alternative use e.g. at Seafield Gardens, where the removal of one green has released space for enlarged children's play facilities to reflect the changing demography within the area.
POLICY STATEMENT C - FLAT GREEN BOWLS
"The Council is a major provider of flat green bowls in the conurbation and wishes to ensure that the provision is maintained to a high standard and at a level consistent with demand."
OBJECTIVES
C.1 To set performance criteria for bowling green sites and to work with bowls clubs and local Bowling Associations to review sites where the performance criteria for greens are not being met.
C.2 To ensure that the provision of grounds maintenance and facility management services, whether provided by the Council, voluntary clubs or other providers, is to a high standard to retain Bournemouth's reputation for quality bowling greens.
C.3 To encourage the clubs and their Governing Bodies to develop structures and initiatives to improve participation in outdoor bowls.
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