ILAM Open Space Management Award (OSMA) Winner 1998

Willenhall Memorial Park - Walsall MBC

History

Created as a memorial to the people of the town who lost their lives in the First World War, Willenhall Memorial Park opened in 1924 having been laid out using unemployed labour on former colliery land. In 1994 the Friends of Willenhall Memorial Park was formed in response to concern over the declining state of the park, they lobbied hard and secured the refurbishment of the children’s play area.

Community and partnerships

In 1995 the Friends group began to work with the Local Involvement Programme (LIP) of Walsall MBC to identify what other areas of the park were in need of improvement. A community consultation exercise was put together in 1996 which attracted over 300 people to put forward their ideas about the future of the park. Since this time monthly meetings have been held to discuss all aspects of the management and development of the park, staff at all levels attend from the area parks manager to gardener. The fishing club has taken on a stewardship agreement for the pool and undertake regular management work.

Funding and Projects

The consultation exercise in 1996 led to the production of a master plan for the park which was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund Urban Parks Programme and secured £1.26 million towards the restoration of the park. Funding from the Education Business Partnership allowed 5 teachers to work on secondment on the production of an education pack for the park. The friends group have fundraised for their own tools for practical conservation work and regularly work with the fishing club on joint projects.

The lottery award has enabled LIP to put the park at the centre of the regeneration of the local area, making links to youth projects, community development and employment are all important to the team.

Events and activities

The friends group has an events sub committee which oversees all events run in the park including family fun days, sports tournaments and the annual carnival. Practical conservation days attract up to 30 people from all ages. As part of the delivery of the restoration plan regular consultation sessions are held to gain the views of local people, school children and park users.

Schools projects have included Walk to School week where more than 200 children walked over 400 miles to promote Safe Routes to School. A logo competition organised by the Friends Group attracted over 170 entries.

Quotes from people involved

“I was amazed by the reaction of the Friends group to the award, when I first suggested it they were all keen that we made a submission. When we won the award they were so pleased that someone actually recognised their work and thought that it was worthwhile.”

Ian Baggott, Local Involvement Manager, Walsall MBC

“I have worked in the park for 10 years and have noticed a change with the involvement of local people. I feel only good can come from it”

Mick Saunders, Head Gardener, Willenhall Memorial Park

What’s happened since the award?

“Winning the award in 1998 gave added impetus to the restoration plan. In 1999 we completed the creation of a new bandstand which has had two summer programmes of events ranging from Brass Bands to “Have A Go DJ Session”. In 2000 we turned 5 derelict tennis courts into 2 upgraded courts, a multi sports arena and a skate park, and with the support of the friends group we managed to 100% externally fund the improvements.”

Contact

Sourced from “Recognising Innovation and Imagination in Open Space Management” available from here