The last year has been a period of change for Mayow Park, with more change to come in 2010! Work has now started on the preparation of the site for the new clubhouse for the Mayow Park Bowls Club, to the east of the bowling green. Planning permission was given in July, after objections from the Friends of Mayow Park (FOMP) and the Sydenham Society were withdrawn. It was felt that the relocation of the bowls club would enable Envirowork to achieve their plan for cricket in the park, key to which is the refurbishment of the Pavilion.
In early summer we learned that Envirowork had received support from the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for funding to restore the cricket square, to be followed by work on the Pavilion. The project will be in three stages. Stage 1, beginning in spring 2010, will be the restoration of a square of 12 pitches to meet ECB minimum standards. Stage 2 will be the temporary renovation of the existing Pavilion plus the construction of a shelter on the boundary edge for storage.
Stage 3 will be the refurbishment and extension of the Pavilion to provide improved changing facilities and showers.
In August we heard that £75,000 had been obtained from the Playbuilder Fund for an area for 10-14 year olds. The funds will become available in April 2010.
In November Groundwork were commissioned to produce a Masterplan for the park. This is now out for consultation and can be viewed at Sydenham Library or downloaded from the Groundwork website at: www.groundwork.org.uk/london The deadline for responses is January 29th 2010.
FOMP is pleased to learn that Envirowork has received permission to expand its activities on the old depot site. They will now be able to erect the ‘Seaside Garden’ originally built for the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show.
Finally, those with access to the internet can keep up-to-date with events in the park by going to
www.mayowpark.wordpress.com and logging onto the Mayow Park blog, compiled by Emma Tarling.
Hilary Jarrett, Chair, FOMP.
