Donnington in Oxford is a vibrant neighbourhood. We have a football club, over 50s group, community centre, family centre, residents association... and so much more! Yet our park stands empty with little more than a few goal posts. We want to turn Donnington Park into the fantastic community space it deserves to be. With funding from Oxford City Council we're going to make the park accessible for all by improving the entrance gates, mark out new football pitches (that will include walking football for people aged 1-100), put in a basketball hoop, and build a buggy/wheelchair friendly path. With your help we could do even more: with memorial benches to commemorate much loved neighbours, and a wild garden space to create a recreational space for young and old alike. Whatever you can give, big or small, please help Donnington Tenants and Residents Association (DTRA) and the Friends of Donnington Park reach their target and transform this park into a space for all to enjoy and be proud of.
What we'll deliver:
- Fit new benches
- Create an attractive wild garden at one end of the park
Why it's a great idea:
Hundreds of people in Donnington took part in the survey to identify what is needed. And Oxford City Council has agreed to match fund what we raise. The Council has already started by upgrading the park gates to make them accessible for all and marking out new football pitches. We envisage new football facilities, a cycle and pram friendly perimeter track, and a basketball hoop. Then we plan to increases the facilities to older and younger people by adding benches and a wild garden (this is the first stage of the rejuvenation project). Finally, once this has been achieved, we will work on a second stage project to install a play area and an outdoor gym.
Steps to get it done:
- Benches installed
- Buying plants and equipment for the wild garden
- Opening the wild garden to the community
- Digging and planting the wild garden
Funds raised above the target will be used to complete the planned perimeter access path. At present, especially during winter months or after it rains and becomes muddy, crossing the park can be difficult for mothers with prams or older residents on mobility scooters.