Bishops Green has an unusually high concentration of children and young people.  The isolated rural location combined with poor public transport links leaves young people with few leisure choices.  So Ian Green managed a project to bring much needed improvements to the central open space at Beech Road.

The Borough Council had already invested in a new play ground for the younger age group and so the next phase of work concentrated of improving facilities for older children and young people.

Ian worked with all local agencies to ensure wide consultation on the plans.  Over £30,000 was raised from Vodafone UK Foundation, Greenham Trust including a contribution from Bishops Green Community Association.  Contractors were appointed and the work began to provide a new goal area complete with hard wearing artificial grass (sand filled carpet), a new teen shelter, a bike rack next to the Youth Room door, and landscaping work.

The project is best illustrated by the before and after photographs below:

CLICK THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

BEFORE                 AFTER                      BEFORE                 AFTER

At the end of the phased redevelopment of Bishops Green, Beech Road Park will be extended, and it will then be possible to complete the project by leveling the open space and providing the second goal.  

A master plan for the Beech Road Park can be downloaded here:
Beech Road Park Master Plan