Gloucester Independents

Matson Park decay in detail

In one of our press releases this week I am highlighting the neglect of Matson Park. A vital major leisure space in Matson, the park is used by many local residents and it’s slide into decay is very sad to those who know it well.

Over a decade ago now, the council made a serious effort to rejuvenate Matson Park. New paths were laid, additional trees were planted and an adventure playground was built. Within a short while the playground had been burnt down by arsonists. Since then, the park does not seem to have been a high priority for the council.

The work done those years ago has been undone by nature and the park needs some love and attention.

The footpaths are now very damaged by the heavy use, but more by the elements.

We really welcome the council upgrading an-oft used unofficial path by laying gravel, but the gravel will just wash away if the gravel isn’t protected and fitted properly. A guard needs to be fitted where it meets the pavement on Matson Lane to stop this from happening.

More seriously, the park also needs proper care and maintenance. The park contained many noteworthy non-native trees and many of these remain but are neglected and hidden behind thickets of ash.

Grass sports pitches represent a good opportunity to provide informal and semi-formal sporting arrangements to the local kids. However in their current state they aren’t usable. However we think they can be recovered relatively easily.

In particular, the largest area of sport amenity has recently become home to a new spring. Although this only appeared after the flooding events of 2007, this may have been a dormant spring. Alternatively it could be a leak in the pond at Matson House. It needs investigating and, hopefully, re-routing.

The approaches to the park need to be upgraded – many of the paths running into the park are scruffy. Only the main entrance from Redwell Road is much good. The scruffier entrances could be improved with selective planting of flowering trees such as Cherry or ornamental trees such as Willow or Maple. These would provide additional colour and beauty in Spring and Autumn. Flowering bulbs would also add more colour.

• New watercourse must be investigated and redirected away from sports pitch.
• The footpaths are ruined and only completely relaying these paths makes sense.
• Gravel paths need to be maintained properly
• Thickets and bushy plants need to be controlled to keep the park looking good. In particular, the noteworthy old trees need to be carefully exposed for best viewing. Barnwood Aboretum is similar to Matson Park but managed better.
• The pitches in the park need to be maintained properly and, ideally, used!
• Improve parkland features around entrances to increase aesthetic quality.

It’s not our view that we should spend thousands on this, nor that we should change the fundamental nature of Matson Park. We don’t want borders with flowering plants or lots of benches. As a local resident, I appreciate that the park is and has always been an informal park. We want a quality place for all of Matson’s residents, maintained well.