Bournemouth Parks Foundation have been awarded a grant of £25,400 to make significant enhancements to Knyveton Gardens in Springbourne this summer.
These improvements, undertaken by BCP Council, will include new play features for toddlers, upgrading bedding and creating wildflower meadows as well as installing bug hotels and bird feeders to increase the diversity of wildlife.
This grant has funded by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Pocket Park Plus scheme to support communities and their partners to establish pocket parks or refurbish an existing park, or part of a park, where people can relax, exercise, socialise and play.
Councillor Anne Filer said, “The residents living near Knyveton Gardens have worked exceptionally hard together to transform this area and to support a delightful community park.
“This generous grant will enable them to fulfil their ambitions and to create a park for young and old, residents and visitors alike, to enjoy and benefit from.
“The Friends of Knyveton Gardens are a really special, visionary and inclusive group of people and richly deserve this award.
“We, their local councillors fully support their efforts and know they will make a tremendous difference to the lives of everybody in the area."
Cathi Farrer, Foundation Manger of Bournemouth Parks Foundation, said, “It’s amazing to be awarded this grant so we can provide this park with some love and attention.
“We’re looking forward to working alongside the community to make these improvements, so that more people can enjoy their local park by getting outdoors and connecting with nature.
“Thanks also to AFC Bournemouth’s Community Fund who’ve contributed £800 to this project.”
Rose Stone, Chair of the Friends of Knyveton Gardens said, “We’re really pleased about the investment being made into Knyveton Gardens and can’t wait to see the improvements. The local community will really benefit from the enhancements.
“Our Friends of Knyveton Gardens group have been working with the Parks Foundation on the Parks in Mind programme, which is a great project encouraging volunteering opportunities in parks to improve people’s mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“We’re looking forward to working with Parks Foundation to make these improvements happen.”
If you would like to get involved or volunteer with the Parks in Mind project at Knyveton Gardens you can find more information at bit.ly/KnyvetonGardens
The Bournemouth Parks Foundation is an independent charitable foundation devoted to enhancing Bournemouth's parks gardens and green spaces alongside BCP Council.
The Bournemouth Parks Foundation are looking to establish relationships with businesses and individuals wishing to support their community by enhancing their local park. If you’d like further information, please get in touch on 01202 451513.