The Abbey Grounds had a major refurbishment back in 2007 – funded by Heritage Lottery money. In addition the Vale of White Horse District Council created a new play area in the Abbey Meadows and a water splash area, and despite the threat of closure the town council stepped in to keep the Open Air Pool going.

The Abingdon’s Abbey Grounds riverside area is now very popular during the summer. The aims of a 2015 refurbishment are to make it popular all year round to a “wider demographic.”

The area beside the River Thames currently includes: an outdoor swimming pool, a splash water feature, pitch and putt, a crazy golf course, outdoor tennis courts, a children’s play area, and areas to walk or relax by the river. (thanks to Richard Gottfried for the picture above.)

Now more money has been found by the Vale of the White Horse District Council to put towards a project in this same area in 2015.

They are inviting community groups to come forward and take part in workshops this November. One advertised on the internet will be Tuesday 4 November 6-8pm at the Guildhall in Abingdon. From ideas that come out of this, and other workshops, they will develop 3 schemes to go to public consultation in the spring.

On the District Council web site its says “The Vale of White Horse District Council is keen to invest in these facilities to further benefit residents and to see this prime riverside site appeal to an even wider demographic, so that it attracts visitors all year-round.

From their web adverts I see they envisage the workshop taking “2 hours and in order to engage with a broad section of groups, please could you only send 1 representative from your organisation, to discuss:

→ Your assessment of how the space is currently used and by who
→ How should we improve the area and why
→ Your thoughts on how you would like to see things move forward”