14 December 2010 PrincesPark is to be the first public park in Eastbourne to be entered into the prestigious Green Flag Award with over £290,000 in investment planned for the site between now and 2012. The Green Flag Award Scheme provides a national benchmark for the best green spaces in the country.
Eastbourne Borough Council will continue to work closely with the Friends of Princes Park to make significant improvements to the park over the next two years, including removing the dated paddling pool and introducing a brand new splash pad play water feature.
Further improvements could also see the introduction of a tethered hot air balloon, the refurbishment of the vacant bowling greens, and the relocation of Magnificent Motors to this site in 2011, as the Council look at options to enhance the existing facilities within PrincesPark.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Steve Wallis said “The Friends of Princes Park have been working closely with the Council for the past five years and we have developed a successful working relationship, which has seen many improvements already take place. With further investment planned for 2011-2012, preparatory work is now underway by the Parks and Gardens Group to enter PrincesPark for the Green Flag Award.”
A Princes Park Development Plan is now in place to determine further improvements, including all the refreshment areas, and to ensure that this important seafront park is retained as a major attraction in Eastbourne for the enjoyment of future generations.
Working with the Friends of Princes Park who formed in 2005 with the principal aim of helping the Council to preserve and enhance the quality of the parkland and open spaces of PrincesPark for the enjoyment and benefit of park users, many changes have been made at the park over the last five years.
These include replacing the ornamental archway over the main entrance, planting of a sensory garden where the old rose garden was located, the printing of a map and brochure, and new signs installed at the park.
The Friends have also been very supportive in securing investment for the two out-of-date play areas within PrincesPark to be substantially improved through Play Pathfinder grants and the Council’s Capital funding, to the sum of nearly £170k.
The Friends have also organised and managed a Fun Day during August of each year, with the proceeds being put into further improvements within PrincesPark.
Jacky Mullender, Chair of the Friends of Princes Park said “The Friends of Princes Park have worked closely in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council and are looking forward to PrincesPark being entered into the nationally recognised Green Flag Award to further lift the profile of this important park. The new schemes planned for next year are really exciting. It is great to hear all the positive comments from people who visit and enjoy this park and to see the improvements that have been carried out in recent years. We are looking forward to seeing the proposals from the Princes Park Development Plan, which will further enhance the park and increase visitors.”
