Refurbishment of Strand on the Green rec kicks off with clean up and planting day
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Strand on the Green Recreation Ground will be blooming this summer after local volunteers planted dozens of flowering shrubs and climbers last Sunday 30th April 2006.
Despite a rainy start, the second clean up and planting day organised by the Friends of Strand Rec (FOSR) was well attended and those who braved the drizzle were rewarded with warm sunshine before the morning was over.
Over fifty shrubs and climbers were planted, brightening up the playground, dog exercise area and main pathway. These were kindly donated by B&Q and local sponsors for the day, Cascade hairdressers, Ken Hammond butchers and Chiswick-based travel website Chooseaholiday.com.
A local resident also generously donated a large number of shrubs and the Strand on the Green Association helped fund the purchase of three flowering fruit trees. Many children enjoyed helping with digging and planting, as well as football, face-painting, a treasure hunt and space-hopper races, and were rewarded for their hard work with chocolates donated by Marks and Spencer. CIP supported the day with publicity, equipment and manpower.
FOSR is working with CIP to fund and implement a wide range of park improvements. Based on a survey of park users, they have identified three main areas for investment; refurbishment of the park to smarten it up and provide more colour; provision of more play equipment for toddlers; and provision of play or sports equipment for older children and teenagers. Within these areas, FOSR and CIP have drawn up a refurbishment plan with an estimated cost of £50,000, expected to take several years to complete. Funding of £10,500 has already been secured from Hounslow Council for the first phase of improvements, which will include the creation of a picnic area, installation of football goal posts, the addition of new toddler play equipment, and several more small but significant improvements. FOSR is seeking additional funding from other sources to carry out further projects in the near future. Copies of the plans are available from the Friends or CIP.
More Friends and volunteers are needed, and anyone with an interest in the park, whether as a parent, dog walker or just a local resident who likes the space, is invited to get involved. If you would like to join the friends or make a donation, please contact Colette Connors at 26 Pyrmont Road, W4 3NR, or contact friendsofstrandrec@hotmail.co.uk.
May 5, 2006