A further 23 groups have been awarded a Platinum Jubilee parks fund grant, in support of a range and diverse list of parks improvement projects across the borough.
The £1million of funding for Bromley’s parks supports proposals for a range of projects across the borough, including improvements to play areas, enhancements to the natural beauty of public gardens, or biodiversity and upgrading facilities. In total, 30 parks improvement projects have now been selected and awarded funding.
Councillor Aisha Cuthbert, Executive Councillor for Environment said ‘The evident enthusiasm and passion for our parks is heartening. A big thank you to all who have applied to the Platinum Jubilee parks fund. Our Friends of Parks groups and other resident groups have proposed lots of different improvement projects and I recognise the hard work and commitment that goes alongside the applications, including the continued dedication that will be needed to complete these projects as well. We will stay in touch with all concerned as these exciting projects move forward. I would encourage any groups that have yet to apply to consider doing so and if you feel inspired to join one of the many groups around the borough, please make contact.”
Applications were invited for grants up to £20,000, with monies available for each ward, with a ceiling of £40,000 for each ward. Further applications are expected over the lifetime of the fund, with additional rounds also now in progress.
In addition to the parks already receiving funds, the greenspaces being awarded Platinum Jubilee park funding in this round are:
Alexandra Recreation Ground – the creation of a children’s play trail in the disused paddling pool area.
Beckenham Green – the creation of a small ‘woodland walk’ along the south side of the green and the planting of new woodland plants with signposts/interpretation boards of species of interest to provide an educational trail. A planting scheme in four currently used brick planters that front the high street along with the purchasing of tools will also help set up a gardening club.
Betts Park – a playground improvement project including resurfacing and colourful new markings for play, trails and fitness. The project also involves the restoration of the historic plinth, a well-known meeting place within the park.
Cator Park – the installation of a dog agility course.
Chislehurst Recreation Ground – a playground improvement project including improved surfacing and enhanced interactive play facilities for younger children.
Croydon Road Recreation Ground – the installation of new park signage to compliment the restoration of the ‘Bowie’ Bandstand which should be complete later this year.
Dorset Road Allotments – the refurbishment of the historic clubhouse and the installation of solar panels.
Jubilee Country Park – a community orchard project created in conjunction with Bromley High School.
Kelsey Park – the creation of a community garden in the site of Holwood’s Yard which is not in use. The garden will be call ‘The Elizabeth Garden’ in memory of the late Queen.
Kings Meadow – the installation of a wheelchair accessible roundabout and four wheelchair accessible picnic tables in the playground within the park.
Kingswood Glen – a project to improve the entrance to the site, making it accessible for all.
Penge Recreation Ground – an addition of a wheelchair trampoline in the playground as well as some refurbishment of the existing play equipment. The creation of some natural wooden seating and a trim trail.
Petts Wood Recreation Ground – a playground improvement project including the replacement of three benches with picnic tables in the play area.
Pratts Bottom Open Space – a playground improvement project improving the surfacing and installing new play equipment. The Friends group will also be holding painting days to refurbish some of the existing play equipment.
Priory Gardens – an enhancement/restoration project of the garden within the former tennis courts and the enhancement of the conservation work of the garden ponds to support the resident waterfowl population.
Ravensbourne Open Space – a playground improvement project including replacing the roundabout with a more accessible one and installing a natural wood play trail for children in the 8-12 year age range.
Richmal Crompton Fields – the creation of an orchard and sensory garden.
Riverside Gardens – the recreation of a wetland habitat through the improvement in the design of the existing reed bed. Once established, the improved wetland ecosystem provides opportunities to engage the community in volunteer days and for education.
South Hill Woods – a project to restore the historic coronation gates at the entrance to the site and woodland improvement works.
Sparrows Den – a pitch improvement works project to improve the site for rugby.
Whitehall Recreation Ground – a proposal known as ‘Lark in the Park’ involving the installation of an adventure trail, a rope swing and a handball, basketball ‘goal’.
Willet Recreation Ground – an extension to the Pavilion / Bowling Clubhouse / Preschool to provide an open viewing area, which will act as an outdoor area for socialising and entertaining visiting players as well as providing outdoor play area for the children of the preschool.
Winsford Gardens – the creation of a stumpery and woodland garden in the place of an old disused bog site.
The next round of applications will close on 1 October 2023, however, those requesting £3000 or less may submit an application at any time as part of a fast-track process. If you are interested in submitting an application, please visit www.bromley.gov.uk/jubileeparksfund to find out more.
Applications from Biggin Hill, Bromley Town, Chelsfield and Mottingham wards are being particularly encouraged, as grant fund applications have yet to be received for parks in these wards.
There are more than 150 parks and greenspaces across the borough, in varying shapes and sizes, which are all eligible for these funds. The council’s aim, with the support of Friends of Parks groups and local people, is to improve and maintain parks and greenspaces across the borough.
Individuals interested in joining their Friends of Parks group are being encouraged to visit the website www.bromley.gov.uk/parks for further details.
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For media enquiries, please contact Justin Brown, public affairs officer, on 020 8461 7872 or email justin.brown@bromley.gov.uk