Master Park’s committee has created a bold and ambitious plan to secure its survival for future generations by building a brand new pavilion and community hub, the revenue from which will hopefully ensure another 100 years of park life for Oxted. However, they need our help … Here’s the story, how you can help, and why Oxted needs this pavilion.
We are incredibly lucky in Oxted to have the use of Master Park, a beautiful 11-acre park that was bequeathed in 1923 by Charles Hoskins “to be laid out and reserved for ever hereafter for the healthy recreation and amusement of the inhabitants of the parish of Oxted”. It has been a much-loved space for generations and recently, with Covid, proved itself to be an absolutely vital space to the local community.
What many people don’t know, is that Master Park is NOT owned or run by the council. It is a charity and its upkeep (the park itself, trees, signage, equipment, ground staff, playground etc) is funded by donations and the events that take place on it. But with costs increasing and more and more call for green spaces, events and sporting facilities, it can no longer see a sustainable future as it currently operates…
So, they have come up with plans for an incredible multi-use Hub that will have a Café on the Park, able & disabled public toilets, community rooms for classes and activities such as exercise, bridge and book clubs, dance and acting workshops, wellness groups etc…and all operating alongside a multitude of resident sports clubs. (see all the plans here: https://masterparkoxted.org/new-pavilion/)
The revenue the new hub will bring will make the park as a charitable entity a much more sustainable prospect, ensuring facilities for local sports and activities for many more generations to come.
Following a grant from Surrey County Council’s Your Fund Surrey, as well as CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy grants) and a couple of sizeable private donations, the shortfall for the project was around £130K.
The Master Park Charity is now in its final fundraising phase and reliant on donations from local businesses and individuals.
There is unlikely to be anyone in Oxted who has not used the park over their lifetime; for walks, sport, play, donkey derby, fairs, the circus, pram race, beer festival, kids parties, school leaving parties, sunbathing,
If everyone in the area donated a couple of points it would make a massive impact. So go to their Just Giving Page (link below) which is currently up to £48K of its £130K target needed…
What is the park worth to you?
