Park Projects
We’ve teamed up with the Friends of Radipole Park and Gardens to make improvements and changes.
Tumbledown is a 27 acre former farm. We’re developing the land into a community asset in partnership with Weymouth Area Development Trust (WADT).
St John’s Gardens
The Green Fingers Group has successfully applied for funding from the Pocket Parks Grant Scheme. They will work in partnership with Weymouth Town Council to encourage local people to have pride and take care of their local garden whilst helping to break down barriers between older and younger people.
The project will help increase social inclusion, encourage horticulture skillset sharing, improve health and wellbeing, and, by working with local schools, introduce an art area.
For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Siobhán Davis on tel. 01305 269214.
Opening of the Wyke Regis Pump-Track
An exciting, free-to-use pump-track, a first of its kind in the UK, has opened at Wyke Regis Playing Fields. The multi-wheeled sports facility is suitable for the use of bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The pump-track has been installed by Maverick, a company that specializes in the design and creation of spray concrete skate parks. The concrete surface not only provides users with a perfectly smooth ride, but also means it is virtually maintenance free.
The 40 metre pump-track consists of a multitude of twists and bends ensuring suitability for all ages and abilities. The design also enables multiple users to enjoy the track safely at the same time.
The Queen Elizabeth II Celebration Archway Project
An impressive Waves-shaped Arch at the entrance to Greenhill Gardens from the Esplanade was opened on 1 April 2019. The Celebration Arch commissioned by the Friends Group honours our longest reigning Monarch.
The Friends raised £10,000, including donations from Weymouth Rotary £300, Weymouth BID £500, a private donation £100 and Tesco’s £1,000; the remainder has been raised via quizzes and events held in the gardens plus a £6,000 grant from the council.
The Arch has been designed by Tina Walton and constructed by Simon Meiklejohn from Herefordshire.
Improving Pathways at Lodmoor
Parkrun has successfully applied for funding from Leeds Building Society. They have received £2,000 to repair pathways, which will significantly improve the routes for runners as well as visitors to the Country Park.
Revamp of Southill Play Area
A full range of new play equipment has been installed and includes a variety of swings; one of which is an inclusive pod swing, a roundabout, a four seated spring see-saw, a multi-play unit, a climbing perch, a boat springer, a fish springer and two picnic benches. The total cost of the equipment was £51,665.
Drainage work has also been carried out to help alleviate flooding at the bottom of the play area.
Marsh Masterplan
New facilities and improvements outlined in the Marsh Masterplan have now been completed. These include a brand new multi-use games area, new seating, the removal of the derelict running track, installation of a drop kerb and a new play area and fencing. The total cost of the project is £185,000.
The play area is suitable for children aged between 3-12 years and includes a climbing hut, a seesaw, a trampoline, a combination swing, as well as many pieces of equipment suitable for children with disabilities.
The new seating includes three benches located near to the football pitches. The new drop kerb is located on Emmerdale Close and will provide easier access for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and pushchairs.
created by dji camera 
Friends of the Marsh
Friends of the Marsh was set up in October 2013 and works in partnership with Weymouth Town Council to improve and enhance this greenspace.
The Marsh is located on Knightsdale Road, Weymouth and has a multi-use games area and play area.
Projects
Friends of the Marsh have been involved in various projects, such as creating a community orchard located behind the swimming pool.
In March 2017 the friends group received funding of £1000 to build raised beds. In addition, a further 12 trees were donated by the Woodland Trust. With the help and guidance from the head arborist, Dave Parry, a team of 5 planted saplings to create a mixed woodland of Rowen, Willow, Hawthorn and Birch.
The friends group were involved in the planning of the Marsh Masterplan which included the installation of a new multi-use games area, play area, fencing, seating and drop kerb. These new facilities opened in September 2018.
The
Parks Projects
Pardon the weeds…we’re feeding the bees!
This spring and summer we are leaving some of our grass areas uncut. This allows wildflowers to thrive and supply nectar to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Long grass also provides habitat for a range of wildlife from insects such as grasshoppers to small mammals such as voles and shrews, which in turn become dinner for those further up the food chain. See if you can spot our ‘Feeding the Bees’ signs when you are out and about in Weymouth.
Greenhill Gardens Wildlife Discovery Trail
Eight beautifully carved Portland sculptures are being installed in Greenhill Gardens. They will be hidden around the gardens and feature locally found insects, birds and animals to be discovered as part of a family friendly discovery trail. Clues are available on the information board or download a leaflet from the WTC website. The carvings are by the Portland Stone and Quarry Trust. Greenhill Gardens have also been enhanced for wildlife by sowing two wildflower areas on the bank, which will provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The Children’s Community Woodland
There has been a tree planted for every child that started school in September 2020 during the Covid pandemic. 521 native wildlife-friendly saplings have been planted at our Links Road site in Westham over the winter of 2020/21. These will grow along with the children and provide a valuable resource for both people and wildlife in the future. Local schools and families will be invited to further help enhance the site for wildlife over the coming months.
The Marsh Skate Park and Parkour Track
An exciting new bespoke skate park and parkour area is coming to the Marsh. The draft designs from Maverick, a company which specialises in designing and installing skate parks, have been produced and went out to consultation with the public and are now being finalised. The skatepark aims to provide a community space that caters for all ages and levels of experience and will provide a important facility for the young (and young at heart!) in the Weymouth community.
Following an online consultation exercise, a revised set of visuals have been produced to incorporate the feedback residents provided. On 2 August, between 3pm until 6.30pm, we are inviting local residents to pop along to the Marsh (on the field to the left of the entrance to the bowls club) to see the new design and tell us your views. A copy of the parkour design will also be available to view.
Get involved
For more details on how you can become a member of this group, please contact mpbyatt@btinternet.com