Elmfield Park Undergoes £30,000 Refurbishment for Local Community

A popular park in Cheltenham has received significant improvements, ensuring the community can enjoy the greenspace throughout the year. Elmfield Park has undergone a £30,000 upgrade, including the installation of nearly 300 metres of gravel paths.

Details

The new pathways mean visitors can now walk around the two-hectare site without having to contend with mud and puddles during the wetter winter months. In addition to the path improvements, the project has also created more biodiversity, with the introduction of swales that benefit plant and insect life while reducing localised surface water flooding.

The upgrades were made possible thanks to funding applications submitted by the Friends of Elmfield and the Community Rest Garden to Cheltenham Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The works were carried out by Gloucestershire-based contractor Greenfields Ltd.

Cllr Paul Baker, the cabinet member for parks, gardens and open spaces, praised the community’s involvement, stating, “It’s impressive to see how the community has rallied round, and no doubt will continue to do so in the future, to improve local facilities for the community to enjoy.”

Alison Samways, chair of The Friends of Elmfield and the Community Rest Garden, emphasised the importance of the path improvements, noting that residents have expressed how valuable it is to be able to access the park year-round, particularly on cold winter days, for the benefit of their wellbeing.

Local resident Moira Montague, who regularly walks her dog in the park, echoed these sentiments, describing the path installation as “fantastic” and highlighting how it has made a significant difference, eliminating the concerns about mud and puddles.

What You Need to Know

Further work is planned to fully connect the circular path, pending the availability of suitable funding. For any press inquiries, the Cheltenham Borough Council communications team can be reached at [email protected] or 01242 264231.

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