FoBC is now in the third year of the ‘Vine road project’: a community led initiative to upgrade a local recreation ground within a catchment area that includes several areas of deprivation as well as a higher than average number of children and young people. The Phase 2 project comprises: Public consultation and testing of ideas, engaging existing and potential park users. Leading to finalisation of the Master Plan (to be ready to reconfirm council support, as well as support funding applications and preliminary discussions with Planning).

What we'll deliver:

• Public consultation; social media campaign.
• Covid allowing, organise a public event and/or events celebrating the project re-launch.
• A temporary test pump track this summer, using timber/plywood to engage young people and test participation levels.
• Convert the derelict heather bed to seat planters.
• Use logs from recently felled trees to create a temporary outdoor classroom, adding gazebos for shelter.
• A quiet zone seating area with benches and pergola for shade.
• Moveable growing beds/planters: construction by volunteers as part of our community growing project.
• Provide a temporary children’s play area with sand and water play close to café.
• Source and plant trees, such as fruit trees, silver birch and black poplar.
• Finalise the Master Plan for Phase 3 Funding and Planning stages.

Why it's a great idea:

Phase 2 is designed to encourage park users to enjoy the facilities, looking ahead to the possibilities, and taking ownership of the project. The project will benefit the whole community, providing space for recreation, learning, exercise, volunteering, as well as socialising. Participating in the growing project is the perfect opportunity for volunteers of all ages and abilities. Families can take time to socialise, while their children play in a safe place, within sight of the café. Young people will have the opportunity to influence the pump track, helping with design elements and testing. The quiet seating area will benefit all park visitors, looking for a quiet spot to sit and reflect, read, or take a nap. The outdoor classroom will enable schools and other groups to engage in lifelong outdoor learning, while taking responsibility for the conservation of our green spaces for future generations.

Steps to get it done:

• Purchase timber and gather logs from Barnes Common.
• Construct growing beds/planters and heather bed seat planter.
• Fill with soil and make ready for growing project.
• Consult with local young people and start designing temporary pump track.
• Build temporary pump track with young volunteers.
• Use logs to create outdoor seating for quiet area and outdoor classroom.
• Purchase gazebos and build pergola.
• Purchase materials for temporary water and sand play areas.
• Construct play areas.
• Consultation with local community.
• Finalisation of Master Plan.

Funding was obtained in 2019 to prepare the Master Plan, but due to the pandemic costs have mounted and public consultation has had to be delayed and re-worked. In addition Covid restrictions have deferred opportunities to test ideas and demonstrate that the significant costs involved with the planned facilities are justified. The Project envisages the park as a ‘gateway’ between the surrounding built environment and the open space of Barnes Common. Re-landscaping will be at the heart of the project, taking full advantage of the brook as one boundary, and two railways). For decades the park has declined to little more than a playground, paddling pool and field for dog exercising: rejuvenation to date has seen test community growing projects and a pop-up café, as well as improvements to public toilets and addition of a water fountain. Phase 2 aims to enthuse the local community to support the project, telling us what they want and having a direct impact on the final Master Plan.