Now we’re looking forward to the summer months, we thought it would be a good time to hear from Friends of Coney Hall Park, (FoCHP). They’re the team of volunteers who have been working hard behind the scenes to make the park a nicer place for everyone.
Here they talk about what’s been achieved so far, and what’s coming up next. To clear up any confusion, they also explain which bits they have responsibility for, and which bits they don’t.
Over to you, FoCHP…
Our ‘Play for All’ project will soon be finished!
This project has needed lots of energy, consultation, patience and bureaucracy! We have raised a staggering £87,000:
- £32,000 of it from Bromley Council
- £20,000 from the National Lottery
- The rest from local residents and businesses who have supported us.
The committee members responsible for this fundraising are all volunteers who care about the park and want to provide better facilities for local residents and park users.
Phase One was completed last May
Phase One included the new cycle circuit and table tennis play area. The costly new path ensures easy access, but was a major hurdle due to strict regulations to protect tree roots. As planned, this new play area is popular with all age groups. It’s great to see families and young adults using the table tennis tables and an increasing number of older children now cycling in the park, as well as younger ones learning to ride; all proof that this first stage of our project has been successful.
FoCHP do not have responsibility for the tennis courts
The Friends of Coney Hall Park have no responsibility for the four tennis courts, nor do we benefit from the fees charged to use them. These are owned and were refurbished by Bromley Council, in conjunction with the Lawn Tennis Association who allocated National Government funding. They are now managed by a Bromley appointed contractor (The Park Langley Club.)
FoCHP made sure the courts were more accessible
Although we have no responsibility for the courts and do not benefit from them financially, Friends of Coney Hall Park were instrumental in ensuring a better position for the electronic gate. Without our intervention the tennis courts would still be inaccessible for many, as the gate would have remained at the bottom of steep steps.
When the refurbishment of the four tennis courts was planned, we were advised to go ahead with Phase One of our project, even though we still had insufficient funds for Phase two, the much-awaited multi use games area (MUGA).
The multi-use games area will be installed before the summer holidays
Applying for grants involves a huge amount of work, with no guarantee of success. Rejections from two funding organisations caused further delay and frustration. However, in January 2025 we received the £20,000 National Lottery grant, which was critical, but would it be enough?
Although the park is owned by Bromley Council, it is Idverde, their Park Management contractors who are responsible for organising contractors to do any major work. The Friends of the Park are not involved. In March 2025 Idverde confirmed that a contractor had been selected who could install a MUGA with two football goals and basketball hoops. Other contractors could not offer this within our budget.
The MUGA will be installed before the Summer holidays. This will be a huge achievement and is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all those who have contributed in any way.
Can you help with tree planting or raising money?
One criteria of the National Lottery grant is that we include benefits for the natural environment too. We need to involve volunteers in planting new trees and shrubs. Can you help? We also need to provide further opportunities to improve the mental health of park users. This will be with new seating, where people of any age can relax / socialise. Unfortunately, this will take us slightly over our budget, so if you can contribute, or want more details, visit our fundraising page.
Creating a park for everyone to enjoy
Although our ‘Play for All’ project has been a major focus, there is so much more that has been achieved. Did you know that the Friends of the Park provided the obstacle course in the children’s playground? We also secured grants for the community orchard and nature trail notice boards, including the large map of a local circular walk. Our volunteers, together with members of E.A.C.H. (Environmental Action Coney Hall) are involved in litter picks, maintaining the orchard / bug hotels, planting trees and other gardening work, enhancing the natural environment for us all.
If you want to know more about the Friends of Coney Hall Park, or would like to be involved, please visit our fundraising page, email coneyhallfop@hotmail.com or phone 0208 462 0671 (term time only.)
Thanks to everyone who has made this possible
Special thanks go to Alison Regester, Chair of the Friends of Coney Hall Park who has worked tirelessly to ensure this ambitious ‘Play for All’ project gets finished; to our Ward Councillors Alexa Michael and Thomas Turrell and to Idverde for their support. We would also like to thank all those who have supported our vision, volunteered at events, or contributed to our fundraising. Without your encouragement, we would not have succeeded.
Coney Hall is a better place because of all those who step up, in any way they can, to think of others and help their community. Thank you.
Written on behalf of the Committee of the Friends of Coney Hall Park
May 2025
Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA) 