Revitalising Lowndes Park
Lowndes Park: At the Heart of Chesham
During my tenure as Mayor of Chesham, one of the projects I championed with great enthusiasm was the redevelopment of Lowndes Park. Recognising the need for improved recreational facilities for families and children, I lobbied tirelessly for over a year to bring this initiative to the council’s agenda. When it was finally approved as a Town Council project, the challenge of funding loomed large. With no available council funds, we needed an alternative strategy to make this vision a reality.
Thanks to the invaluable advice of our then CEO and Town Clerk, we adopted an approach that placed the community at the heart of the fundraising efforts. The aim was to keep the process apolitical and to foster a true sense of ownership among local residents. This led to the formation of the Love Lowndes team—a dedicated group of community members who took up the mantle to lead the fundraising efforts. Their original target was to raise £150,000 for a new playground, but through sheer determination, ingenuity, and grassroots mobilisation, they far exceeded expectations, surpassing £250,000.
Lowndes Park: Community Commitment
The success of Love Lowndes was built on the collective energy of Chesham. From town-wide mufti days to grant applications, local volunteers led and the town rallied behind the cause.
The Town Council provided seed funding and administrative support where needed, but it was the dedication of local parents and volunteers that truly drove the campaign forward.
As Mayor, I made it a priority to attend every meeting, support every fundraiser, and even embarked on a 40-kilometre walk from London to Chesham to raise funds and awareness.
Lowndes Park: A Community Triumph
Today, we stand on the brink of inaugurating a brand-new playground—an achievement that speaks volumes about what can be accomplished when a community unites behind a common goal. However, the work of Love Lowndes does not stop here; inspired by their success, they plan to continue their efforts to enhance our beloved park further.
None of this would have been possible without the initial vision, the sage advice that guided our approach, and most importantly, the parents and community members who turned an idea into a remarkable reality. The redevelopment of Lowndes Park is a testament to Chesham’s spirit, proving that when people come together with passion and purpose, there are no limits to what can be achieved.