Now that the final phase of the original plan for the development of Hawthorne Park is complete, we are looking forward to a future of consolidation to ensure that the Park continues to be an asset to be enjoyed by the community in Thornton for many years to come.
There are three main aspects to this forward plan:-
The valuable and ground breaking Partnership between the Hawthorne Park Trust and Wyre Borough Council is essential to maintain the high standards achieved in the design and completion of the three Phases of the Park project. This involves both officers and members and Trustees.
The management and maintenance of the Park in the future for the benefit of the whole community needs the enhanced input of local volunteers – through the Friends of Hawthorne Park, together with support from local residents, the Police and local churches.
As an important objective at the outset was to engage young people in positive activity in Thornton, an essential part of the plan is the practical and active co-operation of the young people – the Youth Action Group, Scouts, Guides, Beavers and Brownies and schoolchildren in enjoying and helping with activities on the Park.
With co-operation and partnership we hope that a practical, tangible way of demonstrating excellence would be to achieve the coveted Green Flag Award. This is the main objective for 2011 in our newly commissioned management plan. In 2010 meanwhile we contribute to Thornton in Bloom in hope of recognition this year.
The Management Plan is however a living document involving all aspects of the Park – the physical layout, the planting, the wildlife and biodiversity, the activities – for example the Community Fun Day in August – and the enhancement of the varied aspects of the Park. The Trustees are aware that they need to be responsive to the views and needs of all partners! We are encouraged by the enthusiastic and positive comments received since the launch of Phase 3 on May 15th by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wyre, but there is more to be done!