Facilities
Parkstone Park
Commercial Road
Parkstone
Poole
Email: leisure@poole.gov.uk
Enquiries: 01202 265265
Proposals are being drawn up for new facilities and other improvements to Parkstone Park.
Various suggestions have been proposed and are being discussed with residents, local traders and park users. They include:
- Replacing the existing fountain with another of either traditional or contemporary design
- Installing a bandstand, or creating an informal 'performance space' of some kind
- Resurfacing all footpaths through the park
- Installing park railings along the frontage with Commercial Road
- Installing a community noticeboard(s)
Any proposals to restore, develop and improve the facility must meet the changing needs of users and local people whilst guaranteeing that the history and ambience of the park are enhanced and preserved.
An initial consultation was carried out from December 2007 - February 2008. A landscape consultant will now be appointed to draw up proposals based on our findings and various suggestions from users and local residents. When available they will be displayed at Parkstone Library for a further period of consultation.
In the meantime, if you live or work near to the park, or are a regular visitor and would like some input into or further information about this project, please contact:
Sarah Austin, Project Officer
on 01202 261325
s.austin@poole.gov.uk
Parkstone Park was opened on the 17 January 1890 by the Prince of Wales (the same day as Poole Park).
It covers just 1.27 hectares (3.14 acres) and is bounded by the shops, coffee houses, offices and residential properties of Commercial Road, Station Road and Church Road, some of which date from the Edwardian and Victorian era.
The space was acquired for parkland in 1887 by way of a land exchange with Lord Wimborne. It was valued at £1200, and £500 was spent to lay it out. Parish records of 15 September 1888 note the installation of fencing and gates was nearing completion at the 'three acre field' as the land was then known.
Although in size not a major open space or district park, Parkstone Park is a valuable local facility. It lies in the heart of Ashley Cross Conservation Area, which displays many characteristics of its former village status, including a railway station and the local retail properties.
Many of the park features have gradually been lost over the years including:
- The park railings - removed during the 1939-1945 war to provide metal for the defence programme
- Tree & shrubbery planting with references going back to the 1940s
- An ornamental fountain - replaced after damage by a motor vehicle in 1979
It is recognised that the amenity value of the site is suffering, with the remaining landscaping and park features now in a tired state. The impact of traffic using the surrounding roads also detracts from the use of the park. On a positive note, however, it continues to host a number of community events on an annual basis.
The park is currently managed as part of the borough-wide Grounds Maintenance contract.
Ease of access for people with disabilities:
We encourage the use of all our facilities by everyone. Please let us know if you have any suggestions on how we could improve this facility for you.
Facilities at this venue:
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