Introduction
After the first full year of running the Park, Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust have been able to obtain a grant for improvements to the Visitors Centre, read Mick Woolhouse's update from CSLT. We've a reminder of a range of national fitness events. And finally see the events diary for upcoming events at the Park
Friends Annual General Meeting May 5th, 7:30pm at the Visitors Centre
The Friend's Annual General Meeting is an important event and I would like to encourage all of you to come to this meeting, it will be an opportunity to find out about what is happening at the Park, what the Friends are doing and what you can do to help. This years AGM will be followed by an informal social, and tour of the refurbished Visitor's Centre.
Stephen Bennett Chairman of the Friends.
The Visitor Centre Refurbishment
We first mentioned this in Autumn 2008, but it has finally started. Last year South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council approved a grant for improvements to the Visitor's Centre. A small extension is being built on the side of the building, to house a new office and changing rooms for the Park staff. The existing cafe, office and toilets with be removed to create a large open plan area for an improved cafe space, with new toilets.
Parkforce
Last year the Park suffered from an increase in anti-social and criminal behaviour. The Park staff are working the local Police Community Support Officers to try reduce such activity, but they can't watch the whole Park all the time. This is where the regular Park-users can help. The "PARKFORCE Team" are volunteers who act as an extra set of eyes and ears for Milton Country Park and report suspicious behaviour to the Cambridge Sport Lakes staff or the Police.
"It provides a very system for regular users to act as the 'eyes & ears' around the park. A clear system of reporting and communication is established depending on the nature of the occurrence in question." Mick Woolhouse from the Sport Lakes Trust
If you're a regular Park user you can get basic training in what to report, and how to report it.
For details contact the Park staff on 01223 420060 or email
Park participates in three national fitness schemes
Many people use the Park for fitness, walking, cycling and running. Over the last year the Park has built up several regular fitness events for a range of users.Parkrun
A new regular 5km run against the clock event has started at the Milton Country Park. This weekly event called the Cambridge parkrun starts every Saturday at 9am at Milton Country Park.
This event is organised by volunteers see their website for more details, "whether you are a complete novice looking to get yourself started on your own 'running journey' or a seasoned athlete wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you're welcome to come along and join."
It is free to take part, but please note you must register on their website before your first run.
Buggyfit
A regular, Monday morning, outdoor fitness group for mums with babies.
This is national scheme, see Buggyfit - the ultimate postnatal exercise class, takes place on a Monday morning in the park. Mums must have been cleared to exercise by their GP typically after 6 to 10 weeks. The class comprises a cardio-vascular workout as well as appropriate and safe core stability and body conditioning exercises. 9.45 - 10.45 Advanced class (babies over 6 months) and 11.00 - 12.00 everyone welcome. The group then meets up for a healthy lunch at Cafe Diem. For more details visit www.bumperciseandaquatots.co.uk/buggyfit.html. Note there is a charge for this event
Healthy Walks
A regular, Tuesday afternoon walk guided group walk around Milton Country Park.
Milton Country Park is an accredited member of Natural England's Walking for Health scheme which aims to encourage people, particularly those who take little exercise, to do regular short walks in their communities.
Take a guided walk around the Park in a small freindly group, Tuesday afternoons, meeting at the visitor centre at 2pm.
Thoughts from the Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust
I'm delighted to report that the Visitor Centre project is on schedule (and on budget) for completion by the end of March. Our building contractors RG Carters deserve a lot of credit for keeping going through the difficult weather as they have not lost a day on site
Regular visitors may have noticed the work that we have started on the blue footbridges on the Dickersons/Deep Pool boundary. We have replaced the decking on the westerly of the 2 bridges as this was the most deteriorated. We have material in stock to do the easterly bridge and plan to do this as soon as it warms up a bit!
We have recently placed an additional 7 hardwood picnic benches in the Park, predominantly at the southern end. We hope that this will encourage more people to stop and reflect in the park as well as run around it
This winter saw several heavy snow falls, and with snow laying on top of ice, the north end of the Park was closed for several days. The closure situation was regrettable and the measures taken with a heavy heart but on the available evidence and advice it was the only option on this occasion.
Mick Woolhouse Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust.
Park in Winter Snow
Milton Panoramic
2010 Events Program available
Last year was the first full year of Cambridge Sport Lake Trust running the Park, during this year they organised a range of events. This year they are running a similar program of events thoughtout the year. The full program is publshed on the Trust's website here. If you are able to print this out and display it at your place of work this would be a big help to the Park.
Here are the first few events from the program.
Sunday 4th April Easter Treasure Hunt
Come along and walk round the park finding the answers to questions about the park then get your reward, start at the visitor centre from 2 to 3.00 pm, £1.50 per treasure seeker. A Friends of Milton Country Park event
Sunday 9th May Tree Identification Walk.
A 1½ hour walk for families. Join one of the Rangers on a leisurely walk looking at trees in winter and how to identify them. 2.00 pm start from the visitor centre. There will be a charge of £3.00 per adult, £1.50 per child. Places to be booked by 3rd May.
26th May The Oxfam Walk
Oxfam's famous fundraising walk comes to Milton Country Park!
Sunday 20th June The Environment Event
Inspiration, help & advice on sustainable living, with 'Think Global, Buy Local' stalls.
Sunday 18th July Fishing Activities Day.
A day of fishing related activities for all ages. Please see www.cambridge-fpas.co.uk for further details.
Sunday 24th July Parklife
In partnership with South Cambridgeshire District Council. An event to celebrate 2 years to go until the Olympics. An opportunity for adults and children to try new outdoor sports and take part in the Cultural Olympiad.
