RESIDENTS are targeting a range of improvements for Oxford’s first recreational park in time for its 100th anniversary.
Alexandra Park in Summertown is best known for its tennis courts, but a group of volunteers are aiming to make the space appealing to everyone.
The Alexandra Park Working Group, part of the Summertown & St Margaret’s Neighbourhood Forum (SuStM), wants to make its ideas reality before the centenary on May 12, 2025.
Chair Henk van Es revealed that a survey showed residents most commonly associate Alexandra Park with tennis, but the group wants to broaden its reach.
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He said: “North Oxford has a high number of elderly people, so we really need to cover the full spectrum of generations.
“They always want to take their grandchildren to the park, a lot of youngsters hang out there and at lunchtime working people go there for a break.
“The ambition is to make it delightful for everyone. It has the potential to be a great community space.”
The park, between Middle Way and Woodstock Road, was sold to the City of Oxford by pork butchers the Wiblin family in 1925.
It was another seven years before Bury Knowle Park was designated the second such recreational space in the city.
In 2008, the Friends of Alexandra Park improved the children’s playground, while the number of tennis courts were reduced to create more green space in 2017.
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The park is a key part of SuStM’s neighbourhood plan, which was approved last February.
The working group envisages a tree-lined avenue with seats as the focal point of the park, with other planned upgrades including resurfacing the gateway to the field and the children’s play area.
One set of trees and picnic benches have already been built, while a sensory garden is among other ideas being considered.
The improvements are funded by Oxford City Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy, where new developments pay for infrastructure in their area.
Mr van Es added: “The need for further enhancement has become especially apparent during the COVID-19 lockdown, when green space has been so important to our physical and mental wellbeing.
“Summertown is becoming less suburban and more urban in character.
“North Oxford needs to retain and enhance its green spaces.”
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