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Bitterne Ward is one of the 20% most deprived areas in country and the Park had been suffering from anti-social behaviour. Improvements to pathways, lighting and overgrown greenery had already begun in order to increase security, access and facilities to the park. The Marks & Spencer’s funding was distinctly allocated to massively improving the play area. Consultations with the
local community took place form 2006 to 2008, including displays, focus groups, discussions with schools and the creation of a resident steering group for the length of the project.

This approach meant that park users and neighbours were integral to the design process, deciding upon the location of youth facilities and the range of equipment that would be installed in the play area. Residents decided that the site should focus on natural play, with equipment spread to provide an adventurous and active space. Seating for adults and passive play were recognised as important as well as placing the young adult area where it can be seen from the park and the road to discourage anti-social behaviour.

The project was successfully delivered through a close working partnership between Groundwork, Southampton City Council and Thornhill Plus You. Contractors were used to deliver the bulk of the physical improvements to the play areas, which the residents had designed and collaborated on. The strong sense of cooperation and action was evident throughout the project. Residents
met up with Marks & Spencer employees so that the store could see the changes that were going to be made and a display was erected in the near by Hedge End store. The community was brought together on several occasions throughout the project to view the progress, suggest changes and also help out with the work wherever possible. The volunteering days were a huge success
in bringing together the many different groups that will benefit from the new play area. Young people, adults and three ward councillors came as well as a representative from Marks & Spencer. All of the volunteers were involved in litter picking and cutting back hedges so that the woodland section of the play area was brighter and more prepared for the heavy work to start.

Many residents were so excited by the project and interested in maintaining the improvements it had made, they formed a Friends of Thornhill Park Group. An initial panel of ten local people, including three councillors, will maintain the park and look to make future improvement so that the site can offer an exciting place to play well into the future. The Group have already been able to
plan a calendar of events, which will make full use of the new park. These include an Easter Egg Hunt; play events, conservation activities and an environment fair.

The new site has undoubtedly provided the local community with a safer and more exciting place for children of all ages to play as well as for residents to relax. Play England have highlighted the space as an example of best practice and the daily usage of the park has increased. 

The Figures

• 44 community members directly involved
• 25 children
• 4 young people
• 15 adults
• 9 days of project involvement from young people
• 51 days of project involvement from adults
• 3 schools involved
•  20 Marks & Spencer Staff involved

The People
Mrs Neilson lives in the area and was heavily involved with engaging the local community in the new park. “I remember the park before the improvements as “horrendous, it was an eye sore and a haven for anti social behaviour. It was used by local youths and reprobates at night and was not considered safe to walk through. It was dirty with a lot of litter and potholes that had caused people to have accidents. There was a general belief that it needed to be taken over and dealt with”

She puts the success of the project down to community involvement. “There was a lot of consultation with local people about the problems with the site and the improvements that people wanted to see. As well as residents being involved in meetings, they joined in the cleaning up of the site before the contractors began work, which was followed with another day recently, which the council came to. There was also a planting day involving the neighbourhood and the mayor.”

Looking back, Mrs Neilson believes the hard work has definitely been worth it “There is a marked improvement. It is clean, light and airy. People no longer feel they need to get the bus around the park and are quite happy to walk through it. The benches at the top of the park are particularly popular with the pensioners who enjoy the new surroundings.”