Friends of Lowndes Park Chesham

The Rue de Houilles and surrounding area

The Rue de Houilles and surrounding grass area including the scented garden, shelter and toilet block.

Description

The main path running north - south through the park was formerly the carriage way flanked by an avenue of trees. It is a broad path that is used by most park visitors for promenading. It was named in honour of a town twinned with Chesham. An informal avenue of mixed species, including blossom trees, has replaced the original Elm Avenue. Halfway along The Avenue is an open-sided shelter which was built to commemorate King George V's coronation. This is now the oldest building in the park.

The scented garden was created in 1956 by Chesham Rotary and included a shelter. It was renovated by the Chesham Society in 1993, when the disintegrating shelter was removed. The garden was intended to provide sensory stimulation for visitors to the park and originally was specifically intended to provide planting which would be attractive to blind visitors.

The only lighting within the park is along the Rue de Houilles.

In contrast to many parks, Lowndes Park has built a new toilet block enabling the park visitors to extend their stay in the park. It is a plain brick building and has its opening times prominently displayed.

Current condition

The results of the restoration of the scented garden have not been satisfactory, due to the location now being partially shaded by mature trees.

An ageing tree stock, which is also prevalent throughout the park, is evident along the Rue de Houilles and needs to be addressed as part of an overall tree strategy for the park.

The toilet block is a plain building that does nothing to enhance the park aesthetically. However, its position near the main entrance makes it highly visible to all park users.

Future Plans

To write a tree strategy for the park that addresses the issue of an ageing tree stock. The history of The Avenue will feature prominently on interpretation boards in order to enhance the understanding of the park landscape. The scented garden will be refurbished and the overhanging trees will undergo crown lifting and thinning. A surfaced area will be provided close to the main entrance with mains services to allow sales of food and drink; a mobile concession throughout the year. The toilets could have the area surrounding the block landscaped and climbers could be grown over the building to reduce the negative visual impact on the park.

The lighting along the Rue de Houilles is the responsibility of Buckinghamshire County Council. The Town Council will review the quality and condition of the lighting and make suggestions to the County Council for an improved lighting scheme if appropriate.

News & Events

This website was made possible through the generosity of the Chiltern District Council. The Friends of Lowndes Park working in partnership with Chesham Town Council.