Poole Park Life News Update

It has been a busy start to the year in Poole Park, as things start to dry out and we look to Spring we would like to update you on works outstanding and what is still to come:

The Access improvements were mostly finished off just before Christmas but there are a few areas still to complete, contractors are expected back in early April:

• The swale around the edge of the cricket pitch and the cycle track need more work to try and reduce the impact of flooding in this part of the park. The cycle track is to be resurfaced and raised in height to help shed the water off the path. The swale will be connected to the freshwater lake to help take the worst of the water away.
• The west garden, at the town centre end of the park, has been roped off for some time as we have reinstated following some works are are now creating new formal planting beds and a new path, with space for 2 benches.
• The path to the westfield play area (soon to be the Jungle Explorers Play Area, see below), near to the public toilets, will be surfaced with tarmac.
• The large areas used for materials storage and compounds will be reinstated and grass seeded. These will remain fenced off for some time until they establish.
• The lighting columns around the cricket pitch are yet to be connected

In other improvements:

• The new Plant Explorers play area is now open and brimming with people enjoying the exciting new space. Work has now started on the large play area on Westfield and the supplier, Jupiter Play, expect to be able to open up in 6-8 weeks time.
• The tender for the replacement of the adult outdoor fitness equipment is being evaluated, we hope to be able to share new designs with you soon.
• We are working with a supplier called ImageMakers on a new package of signage, way-finding and interpretative elements for Poole Park, bringing to life some of the park’s heritage and history. We hope to be able to share and engage some of this content soon.
• The water fountain near the Bowls club and The Kitchen will be refurbished
• We are planning to open up the Information Kiosk for hire for local arts and crafts, watch this space for more details!
• Hundreds of shrubs and plants are on order to rejuvenate some of the beds and borders around the park, linking in to the creation of the Victorian Plant Collector’s garden next to the crazy golf facility.
• The Adopt-A-Tree scheme has done well so far, lots of the trees planted this winter have been adopted – please take a look at this page (poolepark.uk) if you are interested and get in touch to find out what is still available.

The large Oak tree next to the cricket pavilion (on the right as you look at it) is due to be felled owing to sever defects that make it a safety risk.

We hope that our volunteers can return in greater numbers and frequency soon to help us to maintain the park and keeping it looking great for everyone to enjoy, Volunteers have still been active, either individually or in bubbles, and in particular have given a great lease of life to the play train, see header photo, so a big thank you to those who have given their time. Take a look at the volunteer section on our website for more details.