Connaught Park pond and Victorian shelter - renovations set to make a splash

Key renovation works will help to make a splash at Connaught Park in Dover this summer - with the launch of a £36K programme of repairs and renovations to two of the park's important heritage assets, the pond and the Victorian Shelter.

Dover District Council is making a range of repairs and improvements to these key features in the park, including draining, cleaning and repairing the pond, and repairing and redecorating the Victorian Shelter. The work is due to start in July and is expected to take around 3 to 4 weeks to complete.

These renovations are alongside excellent work by volunteers from the local community, the Connaught Park Appreciation Group, who have been involved with a range of improvements, including planting some of the circular flower beds, working with Dover District Council.

The pond features the original Victorian cast iron fountain, which was fully restored as part of the park's 125th anniversary celebrations. The pump was removed recently as the water levels had dropped following leaks in the pond, but will be returned as part of the works. DDC continues to work with Mid Kent Fisheries to care for the fish in the pond, and due to the low water levels, the fish have been removed and placed in holding tanks until repairs are completed. Experts are also making sure that other wild life is safe, and that the tadpoles have left the pond before the works start.

The Victorian Shelter needs repairs to timber posts and the roof tiles, and will be renovated and restored. The timber shelter is the only surviving shelter of its type left in the park, and remains the only covered seating in the park.

Colette Boland from the Connaught Park Appreciation Group said: "As a regular user of the park, I wanted to help improve this much-loved area, to put something back into the community, and to see the positive results. We have had wonderful support from volunteers, as well as local groups and organisations. We have been pleased to work with DDC, and are delighted that they are restoring the pond and shelter."

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Property said: "We are delighted to launch these renovation works at Connaught Park. We share the enthusiasm of the volunteers who have worked hard to help improve the park, and we thank everyone for their support. We hope the community will continue to take pride in this beautiful park, and we look forward to seeing the completed renovations of the shelter and pond."