Garth Park Improvements
Client: Bicester Town Council
Project: Improving Garth Park
Department: Highways and Engineering
Date of completion: April 2023
Budget: £100k
Summary:
Bicester Town Council approached ODS to carry out a series of improvements in Garth Park. The project focused on repairing footways damaged by tree roots, constructing a hardstanding for a table tennis area, enhancing drainage systems, and relining the car park. ODS was selected for its proven track record of delivering high-quality results within budget, making it the ideal partner for this project.
Requirements:
The project aimed to improve footways in Root Protection Areas (RPA) impacted by tree root damage, construct a durable hardstanding for a table tennis area, upgrade drainage and edging in the car park to prevent future issues, and resurface and reline the car park to enhance its functionality and aesthetics.
Challenges:
Asphalt in Root Protection Areas (RPAs) under trees was removed without the use of mechanical diggers to prevent damage to the tree roots.
Improving drainage and reducing the height of parking bays, while resurfacing and relining the car park.
Meeting the client’s expectations for quality while staying within a tight budget.
Solution:
To overcome the challenges, ODS implemented several key solutions. For tree root protection, they worked closely with the client to determine the best approach in Root Protection Areas (RPAs), marking and fencing off zones and using hand digging and Vac-Ex methods to avoid damaging the roots. Flexipave, a porous material, was used for footpaths to allow root movement beneath the surface. ODS also constructed a 6x4m hardstanding area for table tennis, complete with a linked path and concrete edgings. For drainage and parking improvements, the Garth Park car park was regulated and overlaid with asphalt, replacing timber edgings with kerbs. Drainage was further enhanced with 30 meters of dish channels and gullies, followed by the resurfacing of the Bowls Club car park.
Results:
The project was completed within budget and to a high standard, resulting in durable footpaths using Flexipave to protect tree roots, the addition of a new table tennis area for park visitors, enhanced drainage and a resurfaced car park for improved long-term functionality, all while minimizing disruption to park users.
Feedback
"We were extremely pleased that ODS was able to complete the project within our budget while maintaining a high standard of workmanship and finish." Phil Evans, Bicester Town Council
