The following information is taken from the recent Park Management Committee meeting:
Toilets in the park:
From Cllr Mike Hallam – Cabinet Member for Environment:
We were keen to bring back some level of toilets to the park particularly given the current high footfall, but it is a very difficult balancing act between providing the facility and staff and visitor safety.
The toilets by the play area do not offer the appropriate level of access at the moment (i.e. separate entrance and exit) to allow them to currently open. You may see some work taking place down there in the next few days, as we have a contractor removing some of the panels inside to see if there is a way of creating the access that is required. The building would need to be able to structurally take any change – so I will keep you posted on this.
We are obviously keen to ensure that there is a toilet facility by the play area as well, but this is significantly more complicated than the other toilets in order to ensure compliance and put them in a position where they are deemed safe to be opened.
Due to the scientific advice on urinals, the men’s toilets are not in a position to be opened – therefore the Ladies and Disabled Toilet will become Gender Neutral Toilets.
We are using this first weekend (13/14 June) as a trial run and as you would expect, any safety concerns or issues we will shut them immediately.
As part of the cleaning regime, they will also need to be shut throughout the day for regular deep cleaning so the hours for the first weekend will be as follows: –
Pre- Opening Deep Cleaning
10am – 12 noon Open
12 noon – 1pm – Deep Cleaning
1pm – 3pm – Open
3pm – Close and Deep Cleaning
Litter
There have been unprecedented amounts of litter in the park of late. IDVerde who are responsible for clearing litter has recently removed 2.6 tonnes in one week against a normal amount of 0.75 tonnes. In order to help resolve the issue the Borough Council are experimenting with delivering three large industrial bins at strategic points. These will be delivered on Saturday mornings and removed on Monday mornings to avoid fly tipping. The best solution though is for everyone to take their litter home with them. Please respect the park and keep it clean for other users.
Main Lake
The work on repairing the pathway around the edge of the main lake will start in 2/3 weeks time. The area will be sealed off whilst work is in progress and so there will be no access for walkers.
Chestnut Trees
We receive mails about chestnut trees that have been felled. Although the damage may not be immediately visible, IDVerde who regularly check the health of all the trees, found canker in these specimens, which could become a public danger were the disease to progress. Hence once the bird-nesting season was over, they were felled to prevent further spread of the problem.
Abington Museum
The Museum remains closed for now. They are putting measures in place to hopefully open before too long. Currently staff resources are focused on re-establishing the Central Museum, which had been scheduled to open on 20 June but which is now expected to be early 2021.
Bands:
Following from a query about the possibility of a scaled down Bands in the Park – unfortunately it is not possible, as the current government advice does not permit large gatherings.
The Council will be working within the guidelines and advice given by the Government and will look to introduce events once the Government confirms it is safe to do so.
Community Garden ( formerly the Old Rose Garden)
All work on this project had to be suspended once Lockdown started. We are pleased to report that the work can now re-commence. We hope that the project can start in a few weeks. This is part funded by Friends. Initially the stone surrounds of some beds will be removed as the Borough Council will then renew all the hard standing and pathways. This will create a larger and more open and safe environment. Friends are fund raising to develop a new entrance with diability ramp from the play area and also to install new benches, picnic tables etc. suitable for families and young children.
Funding
We now have a page on Localgiving –
https://localgiving.org/charity/friends-of-abington-park/
where, if you wish to donate to the Friends, any funds raised will also allow us to benefit from Giftaid. Please spread the word, help us improve the park for current and future generations.
News from the Ranger
Chris Stacey our Ranger remains very busy and he has been on duty in the park throughout the past weeks. He is organising community litter picks and will pass on details soon. He is not authorised to oversee groups in the park or to prevent barbecues – all of which have been reported. It is a public responsibility to care for the park and respect the rules as displayed at the entrances. We will continue to work with the Borough Council, Ranger, Police and other groups via our website and social media to urge pubic participation and support in maintaining the park in a safe condition.
News from the Borough Council Officer:
- Play Areas remain out of use due the government guidelines. The swings in particular are CLOSED.
- A one way system is operating through the aviaries
- IDVerde are continuing to renew bedding plants and have been caring fro the park though the past weeks.
Membership
We have not had a membership drive of late due to circumstances. We are aware that more people than ever are using the park and enjoying the facilities so do encourage all those whom you know or meet to join.
We rely on your support to cover our direct costs. Thank you.
Anne Stevens, Secretary, Friends of Abington Park,
Chair, Abington Park Management Committee, June 2020