POPULAR Poole Park is the subject of a £2.5million Heritage Lottery Fund bid to renovate the Victorian open space.

To support the first stage of the bidding process, Borough of Poole and the Friends of Poole Park are urging people to get involved and give their comments during six-weeks of consultation, which started on Sunday.

There are five themes to comment on: lakes and park drainage, renovate and restore heritage landscapes, geese and wildfowl study, traffic movements and renovating play areas.

The first free event to kick start the consultation which runs until March 10, is at the park’s pavilion on Sunday from noon to 3pm.

Called “Poole Park Life – An Introduction to the Consul-tation”, it is the first chance for residents to complete a questionnaire, enjoy a guided walk and explore the five themes.

“It’s really important that we take advantage of this amazing opportunity to secure significant funds, that could help deliver a range of enhancements to the park,” said Cllr Judy Butt, cabinet portfolio for public engagement and participation, Borough of Poole.

“We need volunteers and business people to help us with our bid, which is why we are providing a variety of ways for people to give their input,” she said.

“If we can clearly demonstrate that the proposals for the bid are fully supported by the Friends of Poole Park, stakeholders and, what’s really important, the public at large then we have a better chance of getting this investment. So by getting involved and working together we can look after this important jewel in Poole’s crown.”

A variety of events are being held through February and March, with the next Poole Park Lake Day on Saturday, February 8 from noon to 3pm.

During the next six weeks residents can get involved by completing a questionnaire at boroughofpoole.com/poolepark life and paper copies are available in Poole libraries, the Civic Centre, and at the park in the Boat Shed and The Ark.