Many of you have probably been wondering what’s happening with Onchan Park.
Since COVID things have been very difficult, however we have been working behind the scenes. Unfortunately, we have experienced a number of difficulties working with GBC.
We have tried to gain support and funding from GBC to resurface the green for the community since 2019. This would enable the green to be used as a multi- purpose space: a space to hold events and for children to play, for sports and leisure activities.
- In December 2020 we wrote a bid to apply for funding to resurface the green. Initially we were told we had the council support for the bid, however due to staff restructuring at GBC, we were then left without access to support.
- A year later we were given a new point for communication, but told our bid couldn’t go ahead as someone else had put in a bid with GBC support – we would need to wait until August of this year before we could apply again.
- Since June of this year our liaison has been waiting for a response from GBC regarding the green. We have requested meetings several times but to no avail. In November we tried again, and are still awaiting a response.
- We recently emailed Michael Payne, deputy leader of the council, and are awaiting a response.
GBC have recently received 2.6 million to be spent on community. We are hoping that they will be able to support our community. If anyone has any ideas on how we can move forward, or would like to help Friends of Onchan Park to gain support from GBC, or simply wants to join, please respond.
To end on a positive note:
- The multi-use games area has been used continually when the weather allows this year. We have had basketball, hockey, football, gym training all making the most of the space.
- The Gym sessions have also been well attended and are helping keep our local community fit and healthy. Run by Jude Freeman at Tonic Fitness click here for details.
- The tennis court is also used daily, when the weather allows.
- The table tennis tables are still used frequently as players have been bringing their own bats and balls when there have been none available for free community use.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers, our local councillors; Nicki Brooks, Paul Wilkinson, Jim Creamer, and Errol Henry, and especially those who regularly collect litter from the park to make it a better space for our community.
We hope to return in the New Year with renewed vigour and community support to create the ultimate park that this community deserves.