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• Deal with developers establishes community park for all

• Date:

  13th June 2008

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

As part of the housing development for Beaulieu Park in Springfield in 1999, shrewd officers at Chelmsford Borough Council negotiated with developers to gift the council three large areas of land for green space development, valued at £300,000.

A total of 4.5 hectares was developed into a sports area with pavilion, football and cricket pitches and a flood lit multi use area. The name Boleyn Gardens was chosen because of its close proximity to New Hall School, a former residence of Ann Boleyn, and subsequently frequently visited by Henry VIII.

The gardens were designed to integrate the existing community at North Springfield with the new housing development, helped along by a new path and cycle network.  The third area, called the ‘wedge’, was planted up with wild flowers to create a meadow linking the formal gardens with the fields beyond.  To encourage interest and repeat visits throughout the year, the council’s Parks & Heritage Services regularly consults with the public to inform development decisions about facilities and events. 

The site comprises a path network designed to encourage access for people with mobility restrictions and a maze based on Tudor snail mounds! In addition to this, facilities include outdoor sculpture, landscaped formal gardens, a play area, a kick about area, tree plantations and parkland specimen tree collection.

Since opening to the public, partners and officers have worked together to develop community activities. In 2005 ‘Elements’ community garden was designed and built to symbolise the earth, air, water and fire. Local children from Perryfields Junior School worked with garden designers and a local artist to create a colourful garden with pebble mosaics and contemporary features. 

During the summer months residents can join the ‘green gym’, or take part in the weekly healthy walks organised by the Heart and Sole coordinator.  Alternatively a number of conservation projects are organised with partners in pond conservation, bulb and wild flower planting.