Friends of Oakley Park are a local volunteer community group who, alongside the local Council help maintain and improve Oakley Park. Our original purpose was to reclaim the park from disuse. We actively help maintain the park through volunteer work sessions. We run fun and educational activities for children and local people.
Our constant aim is to look for ways to improve the park facilities and the woodland area.
What is Oakley Park?
Oakley Park is a thriving park in the heart of Fleet. As well as a large field and children's play facilities, it is home to three acres of woodland. This woodland is rich in native plants and wild life and features a large dipping pond where dragonflies breed. Bats use the woods as a place to feed and rest.
What are our plans?
A few years ago a new playground was installed for young children. We have been looking for ways to provide better facilities for older children. We have installed a new ball wall and are in the process of refurbishing the basketball facility. In conjunction with Hart District Council and the Big Lottery Fund we are hoping that two large climbing boulders will be installed in late spring.
Oakley Park woods contain diverse plant and wildlife. We are currently raising funds to commission and install Information Boards that will help our visitors to appreciate what they find.
What have we done
Recent improvements include:
A new play ground for young children
A new kickboard.
Erecting a new footbridge near the Albany Road entrance
Installing new bat boxes in the pond area.
In conjunction with the 3rd Fleet Brownies, there are now 12 new bird boxes,
Introducing native flora such as wild Garlic
Much of what we do is supported by our excellent Hart Countryside Ranger - Joanna Lawrence
How can you help?
Most of our 250 members just pay their annual subscriptions (£ 1.50, £ 3 family). This is our main income, and a real "contribution". Our high membership enables us to have real lobbying power with the Council too.
There is absolutely no pressure to attend or do anything
If you like, attend an event, work day or even join the committee.