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DURNSFORD ROAD RECREATION GROUND
DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENTS.
Regular visitors to Durnsford Road Recreation Ground will be aware of the hive of activity around the area of the former bowling green and bowls club pavilion. The pavilion suffered from an arson attack in 1995 which left the central section of the pavilion interior completely gutted with serious structural damage to the roof. Unfortunately the bowling club closed in 1996, which left the pavilion and green redundant.
After local public consultation, a development plan for this area was created by Leisure Services of the London Borough of Merton, as part of a wider scheme for improvements for the Recreation Ground.
The development plan proposed the : -
Re-design and refurbishment of the pavilion building to accommodate a wider community use but specifically for children's groups.
The landscaping of the former bowling green to remove dangerous and unsightly concrete retaining walls.
The installation of new play area suitable for the toddler age group.
The creation of a larger dog free area for safe play and recreational activities.
Funding for the project was gained from an insurance claim for the pavilion, Leisure Services capital funds and a Grant from the Marathon Trust for the installation of the play equipment and safety surfacing.
The refurbishment works on the pavilion have been completed. A play group has already expressed an interest for hiring the building during the week and are hoping to open a play group in the New Year.
The pavilion is available for hire during weekends and is particularly suited to cater for children's parties and play schemes.
Despite the weather conditions this autumn, the majority of the landscaping works have been completed and the play equipment is due for completion before December.
Local residents and school children have been invited to take part in a bulb planting event on Tuesday November 17th at 2pm. 1000 daffodil bulbs will be planted on the new landscaped mounds that surround the new play area.
Trees and shrubs will be planted later this year as the final stage of the project.
If you would like to hire the pavilion please contact Angela Stephens on 0181 545 3677. If you would like any further information or would like to take part in any future activities please contact me on 0181 545 3655.
Richard Thomason
Landscape and Ecology officer.
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