Future of Grouville Playground in Jersey Remains Unclear

rouville Residents Urged to Support Campaign to Save Popular Play Area

People living in Grouville are being asked to support efforts to save a well-used play area next to the Long Beach car park. Constable Mark Labey has proposed that the parish take over the management and upkeep of the site, as the States' Infrastructure Department will not be renewing its lease, which ends on 24 June.

The future of the park is dividing opinion among residents. While many families want to preserve it, some locals who live nearby are raising concerns about noise and maintenance costs.

A Valuable Community Resource

Local parent Kat de La Mare emphasized the park’s importance, saying families from across Jersey visit due to a shortage of play facilities in the island’s east. She is calling on ratepayers to support the parish’s proposed takeover at a public meeting scheduled for Thursday.

“Its the most beautiful park on the island,” she said. “I get really emotional about this park. I've been bringing my children since they were babies, and whenever I'm here, I just take a moment of gratitude for such a beautiful space.”

Charlotte Catallo, another parent who regularly visits the park, shared similar feelings.

“We use this park all the time. I particularly love it in the winter—it lifts my soul,” she said. “Sitting here with the kids, looking out to the sea and the castle, I feel so grateful to live in Jersey.”

Concerns from Nearby Residents

Not all residents support the park remaining in its current location. Mary Young, who has lived next to the site since 2009, said noise has become a major issue—particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic and the construction of two apartment blocks nearby.

“The noise funnels up—it acts a bit like St Paul’s Cathedral,” she explained. “It’s peaceful when toddlers are there during the day, but it gets louder after school and into the evening, with teenagers sometimes staying until 10 p.m.”

Young also warned that maintaining the park could become a financial burden on ratepayers. If the parish does take over and the site isn’t relocated, she said she would likely file a complaint with environmental health officials due to noise pollution. She suggested moving the park further into the car park to reduce the impact on nearby homes.

Support for Parish Takeover

Despite the objections, many residents are backing the idea of parish involvement. Peter Laffoley, who brings his grandchildren to the park, said: “It’s essential it’s maintained—whether by the parish or the States doesn’t matter.”

Constable Labey has published a blog post on the Grouville Parish website outlining the proposal. He said all local politicians support the parish taking over and that cost details will soon be made public.

“Other parishes in Jersey maintain their own play areas, like Elephant Park in St Brelade, so we feel this is the right direction,” Labey wrote.

The public meeting will be held at Grouville Parish Hall on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (BST), where residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the park’s future.