Friends of Elm Grove Community Park transform park

Elm Grove Community Park is a small area of parkland in Ellesmere Port, left under covenant to the children of the groves by the builders of the estate. It has for many years remained virtually unused and unloved apart from dogs being allowed to run free and an area prime for antisocial behaviour and misuse.

In 2017 a residents committee, Friends of Elm Grove Community Park, was formed with the intention to rejuvenate the park and bring it back into use, as it was originally intended.

With funds raised by the committee and donated by the local councillors works started with the initial clearing of the heavily overgrown areas.

Friends of Elm Grove Community Park (Image: Friends of Elm Grove Community Park)

In an effort for the park to be of use to all, a large dog exercise area was created, fenced off, with its own access via a gate at the entrance to facilitate the exercise for dogs and to limit the contact between the dogs and the children’s play area.

After consultation with Chester Zoo the group were encouraged to plant trees, shrubs and to build infrastructure for insects and wildlife to inhabit.

Further contribution towards the wildlife planting was given by the children of Woodlands Primary School (Year 6) who along with their teachers came for a day to help plant the trees and shrubs, donated by the Mersey Forest Organisation.

Summer 2020 (Image: Friends of Elm Grove Community Park)

The group have also managed to add seating to the park with benches made by Men in Sheds Ellesmere port. They have builta a grass and compost collection area and have built a shed to house their own lawn mower and gardening equipment.

The park has now blossomed into an area used by many and enjoyed by a number of children who use the play equipment.

Parents can now sit and watch their children play from the benches provided while wildlife thrives in the area behind.

Thanks to the community

Alan Roscoe, Chairman, said: "I would like to recognise people who without them the project would not be the success it is today. 

The committee members Peter, Glynn, Ruth, Janet, Helen and myself. The local residents Alison and Mark, Emme and Paul, John get involved. Recognition for local councillors Brian Jones, Karen Shore and current councillor Jimmy Shannon.

"I would like to single out in particular Chester and Cheshire West employee Rob Taylor who has been a constant supporter of the scheme and a vital link between the committee and the local council at times fielding both positive and negative comments from residents and interested parties."

Jimmy Shannon, Labour Councillor for Whitby Groves Ward, added: "I’m proud to be involved with the Elm Grove community park committee. The fact that my Mum grew up in Elm Grove and played here as a child and I played here with my mates as a kid myself adds to my dedication to help this amazing group of residents (who have retained their green flag status this year) keep pushing the high standards that they have already set within our community."

For queries and further information please feel free to contact Alan Roscoe at a.roscoe1963@gmail.com.