The idea
Poplar School backs on to the local park – Mostyn Gardens and an opportunity to develop this area arose last year after our school expansion project. This corner of the park was used as the vehicle access for the new build and a road was left behind -crossing the park to our grounds. Our Headteacher noticed lots of young children came to school on their ‘scooters’ and she devised the idea of a Scooter Park! The design includes using the existing road and adding road markings and undulating pathways with raised gradients to give interest plus a 'race track' grid. There is also be a 'village' area for play activities.
The park will be used by the school at set times but open to the community each day and at weekends.
We cannot find a park of this nature in the UK –we think it is quite unique - certainly in Merton!
We need £20,000 for the second phase which includes installing a timber shelter, street furniture, road markings, signage and the completion of the race track!
What we'll deliver
- Buy planting to enhance the natural habitat ie snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells
- Install a timber shelter
- Install child friendly road signs
- Install scooter parking bays
- Intall 'street' furniture such as mock traffic lights, petrol pumps, bus stops.
- Produce correct road line markings such as pedestrian crossings, a roundabout and arrows marking direction of travel
Why it's a great idea
It is a unique space - we are unable to find another Scooter Park designed specifically for young children in Merton and maybe even the UK! It provides a much needed play space for the young children in the local community and supports their health and well-being by providing a safe outdoor area for them to use with their families. It has made use of a very underused and neglected area of the local park- it will not only increase the parks facilities but also create a more attractive area for everyone to enjoy. It can also be used by the Council as a venue to deliver their 'Safe Scooting' lessons to young children in local neighbouring schools.
Steps to get it done
- Installation of Park signage - May 2017
- Installation of Street Furniture and Road markings - April 2017
- Installation of Timber shelter - May 2017
- Opening of the Park to the public End of May 2017
- Planting up of areas as seasonally appropriate March/April onwards
- Recycling Scooters school campaign Summer Term 2017
- Completion of Race track - April 2017
- School Sponsored Scooter Park 'duathlon' and Backers Breakfast invite - 30th March
- Scooter Park trail practice morning - 10th March 2017
The Scooter Park project has the support of local organisations - the Friends of Mostyn Gardens, the John Innes society and the local Merton Park's resident association. It also has the support of Merton council who have agreed to the use of the parkland for this unique community project.
