BOROUGH OF POOLE

NEWTOWN AND PARKSTONE Area Committee

WEDNESDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2010

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF LEISURE SERVICES

IMPROVEMENTS TO PARKSTONE PARK

1 / Purpose of Report
1.1 / To inform and receive feedback from the Area Committee on the proposals to improve the landscaping at Parkstone Park, Ashley Cross.
2 / Introduction
2.1 / Parkstone Park is the only formal open space in Parkstone Ward and was opened by the Prince of Wales on the same day as Poole Park, 17th January 1890. Many of the original features have been lost or altered over the years:
  • Park railings were removed during the Second World War to provide metal for the defence programme
  • Tree and shrub planting has been unplanned in recent times and is looking both tired and haphazard
  • The ornamental fountain was replaced with a utilitarian alternative following collision damage in 1979.
  • The footpaths are now in a poor state and need resurfacing.

2.2 / Leisure Services recognise both the pressures on the park and the value of the park as an open space for the local community. An extensive public consultation has been completed on the need to enhance the park for the public benefit and on what improvements residents and users would like to see.
3 / Information
3.1 / The Newtown and Parkstone Area Committee of 6th February 2008 recommended that:
(i)that the Report of the Head of Leisure Services on planned improvements to Parkstone Park be noted; and
(ii)that the final results of the public consultation be brought before the Area Committee for consideration and comment.
3.2 / Leisure Services held a design competition in the summer of 2009 and selected a Landscape Architects firm to prepare a series of drawings, which have formed the basis of widespread consultation/notification. Banners were erected in the park and leaflets distributed. This report sets out the results of the public consultation.
3.3 /
  • The paths will be resurfaced;
  • Short sections of new paths will be constructed in order to link the existing paths to the pavements and crossing points;
  • A traditional Victorian style fountain will replace the existing, and the pool returned to its original size
  • The Victorian seats will be retained and other more informal seating added;
  • A Pétanque (boules) court will be installed adjacent Commercial Road;
  • A small performance/event space will be constructed at one of the Church Road entrances;
  • For toddlers and young children there will be a small story space and some unobtrusive natural play elements close by (hopping, balance etc);
  • Cycle posts and a drinking water fountain will be installed;
  • Improvements to the planting and landscaping.

3.4 / The following original design proposals have not found support so the final scheme will be altered to omit them:
  • railings and gates

4.2 / Feedback from this Area Committee meeting will be reported to the February Planning Obligations Sub Group.

CLIVE SMITH

HEAD OF LEISURE SERVICES

Contact Officers:

Richard Nicholson Technical and Development Team Leader (01202) 261347

Clare Freeman, Greenspaces Manager (01202) 261377

Background Papers:

None

Version 1 29th January 2010 Page 1