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Maidstone Borough Council 9


From a tiny acorn, the mighty oak will grow


Many people have already played a part in shaping the latest chapter in Mote Park’s history and it’s not too late for others to join in.


Mote Park is currently undergoing a conservation and improvement makeover with volunteers lending a hand to plant trees.


Visitors to the park will have noticed the vast improvements that have taken place over the last few months and it’s all thanks to the development project which has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG). The council was awarded the funding of just over £1.8m under their Parks for People scheme. The total cost of the improvement project is £2.5m.


Image courtesy of Howard Marsh


Historic vistas are being recreated during the work and the reinstatement of these views are being carefully coordinated with Kent Wildlife Trust to ensure that the ecology of the park is protected.


The full list of conservation and improvements works includes:


 New landscaping and tree planting, focusing on the reinstatement of the parkland landscape.


 Improved pedestrian access, with new fully accessible footpaths comprising of an inner (around the lake) and outer circuit, enabling safe wheelchair and pushchair access throughout.


 Works to manage the outflow of the lake to reduce lake edge flooding.


 Repair of the lake crossing causeway with a natural reed bed treatment to prevent erosion.


 New bridge construction in order to provide an accessible pedestrian route across the lake.


 Refurbishment of Mote Avenue and School Lane car parks.


 New parking facilities via Willington Street entrance.


 Installation of electronically controlled gates to prevent unauthorised vehicular access in the park.


 Reconstruction of the historic waterfall.


 Construction of a boathouse promenade and the relocation of the model boat club platform.


Coming to an area


near you A three-year programme of refurbishment and repair of Maidstone’s bus shelters has begun.


Smart new metal mesh is replacing tired old perspex panels. The new panels not only look better they are easier to


 Restoration works to the historic pavilion.


 Interpretation points at the entrances and historic park features enhancing user’s knowledge and interest of the park.


 New way finding signage throughout.  New and refurbished park furniture, including litter bins, seating and cycle stands.


 Security improvements including the provision of additional CCTV cameras at key locations agreed with the Police.


 On-site information boards and signage agreed with community groups.


 Fishing swims, including some for anglers with disabilities.


 Two local park centres with play equipment (including facilities for children with disabilities) and potential for catering facilities.


 Improved seating throughout, providing rest points in the park.


 Improvements to park entrances enabling safe access.


 Full Kiosk refurbishment - new disabled and baby change facilities and a Disability Discrimination Act


Mote Park in numbers


82 the number of years owned by Maidstone Borough Council (then Maidstone Corporation).


£50,000 the amount paid to 2nd Viscount Bearsted for Mote Park by Maidstone Corp.


1929 the year the park was bought.


£1.8m the amount awarded by The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).


70 the number of volunteers who’ve helped with the development so far.


27 free events so far this year. 450 the size of the park in acres. 30 size of lake in acres.


160 the number of new trees being planted during the improvement works.


120 species of bird recorded in the park.


compliant service counter.


 Historic feature information boards throughout.


If you’d like to volunteer as part of the project there’s something available for everyone. Call Alan Frith, Mote Park Audience Development Officer on 01622 602119 or email alanfrith@maidstone.gov.uk


maintain and should be longer lasting.


Maidstone council welcomes reports from the public about damage to its bus shelters – visit www.maidstone.gov.uk or email facilitiesmanagement@maidstone.gov.uk.


The shelters at Claremont Road, Vinters Park and Madginford Road, Madginford are among the next to be improved.


 Maidstone Council, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone ME15 6JQ


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