Earlier this week you may have read our project newsletter for a variety of information about what is happening in Poole Park, this update focuses on the latest Access improvements.
On Monday morning, 21st September, the Seldown entrance will be kept closed for a period while more of the buff colour surfacing is laid near the water fountain. The contractors will get the entrance open as soon as possible, but it may be closed until midday, the other 2 entrances remain open. Apologies for the occasional disturbance to access, however laying kerbs across the roads or surfacing such as this leaves no other option but to restrict access for a short period.
Work is progressing quickly through the middle of the park, full depth reconstruction of the road was required and significant soft spots underneath the road have had to be excavated and filled, a very physical reminder that the park used to be on the edge of Poole harbour before the railway line was constructed in the 1880’s. The original carriage drive would have been a gravel surface and laid on a thin layer of local stone as a base, suitable for horse and carriage.
Photo below left: a new, wider area has been created in front of the information kiosk and a pedestrian crossing point; right: Purbeck stone slabs being laid and pointed in front of Seldown Lodge, providing better access to the terracotta scrolls at the entrance.
A new, wider area has been created in front of the information kiosk and a pedestrian crossing point
A new, wider area has been created in front of the information kiosk and a pedestrian crossing point
Purbeck stone slabs being laid and pointed in front of Seldown Lodge, providing better access to the terracotta scrolls at the entrance
Purbeck stone slabs being laid and pointed in front of Seldown Lodge, providing better access to the terracotta scrolls at the entrance
Another reminder of the proximity of the harbour is the ground water level around the cricket pitch, which as most park users will know sits very high, to the point where quite often sections of the cycle track are impassable. We are working to alleviate this problem by creating an open ditch, or swale, inside the cycle track on the south side of the cricket pitch. Without taking up too much of the pitch, a shallow swale (about 450mm deep) is being excavated that will take the water off the cycle track. The cycle track will be resurfaced allowing the future generations of bicycle and scooter learners to practice their laps of the pitch in safety and without needing waterproofs and wellies!
The slopes of the swale will be seeded (we are still deciding with what type of mixture) and establish and soon green over, to be less stark. It may well hold water all year round but the cycle track should stay dry. All the topsoil being excavated is to be re-used to re-landscape other areas of the park.
A shallow swale (about 450mm deep) is being excavated that will take the water off of the cycle track
A shallow swale (about 450mm deep) is being excavated that will take the water off of the cycle track
A shallow swale (about 450mm deep) is being excavated that will take the water off of the cycle track
A shallow swale (about 450mm deep) is being excavated that will take the water off of the cycle track
The next phase of improvements has started at the roundabout junction where significant changes are taking place. New kerb lines and surfacing on the northern side are starting to be installed, providing a safe crossing point on a raised table across to the southern side. The two existing junctions to Whitecliff Road and the car park will be significantly improved to provide continuous footways for pedestrians and slow vehicles down. Once the southern side of the road works starts there will be no through access to Whitecliff Road, all vehicles will have to use the east-west road and exit via Seldown end only.
As always, the contractors and BCP Council appreciate your patience during these works.