Archived decisions

ITEM 8

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL.

SIR GEORGE STAUNTON COUNTRY PARK.

JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

TUESDAY 10TH JUNE 2008.

THE STAUNTON VISION - A REVIEW.

Contact: Lewis Paterson (Telephone: 023 9245 3405).

1. Introduction

    1.1. It has been nearly four years since our existing Vision Statement was drawn up and approved by the Joint Management Committee.

    1.2. It is always useful to test a Vision, and in this case it is felt especially pertinent when we consider the development of Staunton as a Visitor Attraction over the period.

2. The Existing Vision

    2.1. Our existing Vision for Staunton is as follows;

      A fundamental aim of the Sir George Staunton Country Park is to promote the use and enjoyment of the Park by both the local community and visitors. This will enhance the local and regional economies as well as quality of life, but must be balanced with the need to conserve the rich natural environment and heritage of the site.

      Sir George Staunton Country Park contains an abundance of natural and heritage features, some of which are nationally rare. The Country Park is a vital community resource and plays host to a diverse range of human activities, often dependent on these natural and heritage features. It is therefore imperative that an holistic approach to the management of the site be adopted.

      Management action will strike a balance between the natural / heritage environment and the demands placed upon the site through its use and enjoyment by visitors. This will provide a sustainable environment and a quality experience for future generations.

    2.2. Whilst this Vision has served us well it is now felt that it may be somewhat cumbersome and requires careful review.

3. Reviewing the Vision

    3.1. In order to arrive at a more concise and powerful Vision the Staunton team recently met in a facilitated environment. The outcome of that meeting was a number of positive statements and descriptions outlining our Vision of Staunton. These were taken and drafted into three possible statements which have been discussed and refined into one Vision by the Park's Management Team.

    3.2. This proposed vision was then presented to the Stakeholder Forum on 12th May 2008 and subsequently discussed at the Officers Group on 20th May 2008. During these discussions a number of comments and views were considered in arriving at this most recent version of the proposed Vision for Staunton;

    Proposed Vision, 2008

      A quality and inspirational experience to a diverse range of customers will be underpinned by a commitment that empowers us to strive for the highest levels of service. Inspired by Sir George Staunton's curiosity and appreciation of the natural world Staunton will become a regional attraction firmly embedded in a local community. Staunton will thrive by actively enabling people to connect with their environment and heritage. This will provoke better understanding of self and the impacts we have on our environment. We will give our community a sense of pride. Through setting examples we will strive to be an industry leader. Through responsible management the legacy of Staunton will remain for future generations to enjoy.

    3.3. It is felt that this much more succinct Vision will assist us to develop management of the site and its clarity will aid in preparing future funding bids.

4. Recommendation

    4.1. It is recommended that the Joint Management Committee approve the proposed Vision.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report. NB this list excluded:

    1. Published works.

    2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

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