Issue - meetings

Nonsuch Parkrun Presentation

Meeting: 25/03/2024 - Nonsuch Park Joint Management Committee (Item 28)

Nonsuch Parkrun Presentation

A representative from Nonsuch Parkrun shall provide the Committee with a presentation on the contribution that the organisation provides to the Park and to the wider community.

 

Minutes:

A Representative of Nonsuch Parkrun (Run Director) provided the Committee with a presentation on the contribution that the organisation provides to the Park and to the wider community.

The Committee considered the following matters:

a)            Green Travel and Car Parking. A Member asked how Nonsuch Parkrun encourages runners to travel to the Park via green means, such as walking or cycling, rather than driving. The Parkrun Representative explained that there is messaging on their website and that runners are also encouraged during the pre-run briefings. He explained that bike racks are provided for runners who arrive by bike, with a capacity for c.60 bikes. He mentioned that their website explains to runners that the car parking facilities at the Park are limited, and that they erect temporary signage setting out the no-parking areas. He explained that the information relating to the parking arrangements is also relayed to runners during the pre-run briefings.

b)            Raising for Charity. The Parkrun Representative explained that they support food banks in Epsom and Sutton and raise money for the Royal Marsden Hospital through their 5k run.

c)            Cycle Racks. The Parkrun Representative stated that they currently used four bike racks. He explained that the racks are large, heavy and require setup. He said Parkrun would like to use more racks, but there was a resourcing issue as more volunteers would be needed.

d)            Accessibility and Attendance. The Parkrun Representative stated that they aim to be inclusive and accessible to everyone. They don’t make their events ticketed or put a limit of the number of runners. He said that they do their best to predict when there might be spikes in the number of runners and manage accordingly. He stated that on average, 650 people attend runs at the Park, with numbers going up to c.970 at their busiest runs.

e)            Marshalling. The Parkrun Representative explained that in order to help manage the runs, marshals are stationed around the Park, who adopt the role on a voluntary basis.

The Committee thanked the Nonsuch Parkrun Representative for attending and presenting.

The Chair adjourned the meeting at 11:13 to allow for a short comfort break.