March 2020 seems an awful long time ago when the first lockdown restrictions were imposed but now it seems like we are being liberated. Grovelands Park has been loved by generations since it opened as public space in 1913 but more than ever the value of this peaceful open space has been so much appreciated by a community so confined over these months. It really has been an oasis and lifesaver for people of all generations.
Of course as well as our regular visitors the Covid period has brought many more people to come and discover the park and many of them have acquired new puppies of all shapes and sizes. This extra pressure on the park has brought some challenges as we have had a problem with both litter and unfortunately some of the newer dog owners don’t always seem to pick up their dog mess which spoils the park for other park users. Let us hope we do not have litter problems like last summer (when someone likened the rubbish left behind on the open fields to the aftermath of Glastonbury!). We did get extra temporary bins put out but some people just seem incapable of using them or taking their picnic detritus home with them. We urge everybody to pick up their litter and dog owners to always concentrate on their dogs and pick up their pooh.
If people adhered to all these guidelines we can all continue to enjoy our special and lovely park.
Michael McDonagh
Chairman The Friends of Grovelands Park