Community park set for rest of makeover (From Bournemouth Echo)

Community park set for rest of makeover

7:00pm Monday 11th February 2008 in Search By James Morton

ONE of Poole's most cherished and popular open spaces could be in line for a welcome spruce-up.

Parkstone Park, sandwiched between Commercial Road and Station Road, is the leafy focal point of Ashley Cross.

But in recent years, it has become tired and in need of smartening up.

"We recognise both the pressures on the park and the value of the park as an open space for the local community," said Clive Smith, head of leisure services at Poole council.

An allocation of £50,000 was made available by Poole council in 2003 and new benches and lighting have already been installed.

Public consultation followed and priorities for the green now include: l A surfaced performance space.

l Replacing existing paths with bonded gravel walkways.

l New entrances and railings.

l Replacing the existing rundown fountain with a new design.

Other suggestions included play equipment, such as outdoor table tennis, and a regular farmers' market.

There was little public support for a traditional bandstand or major landscaping for the park, said Mr Smith.

"Parkstone Park is well-loved and well-used as a community park, and there is an appreciation for its uniqueness in Poole," he said.

Concerns raised over any improvements included spoiling the park through over-development or attracting antisocial behaviour.

The green is widely used as a leisure facility throughout the year and provides a welcome green lung in the bustling Ashley Cross area.

It hosts the popular Groove on the Green event, with live music and stalls, each summer.