Published on 10th March 2026

Photo of community members at Elmfield Park
Left to right: Alison Samway Friends of Elmfield and Community Rest Garden, Cllr Paul Baker, Cllr Richard Pineger, Cllr Taby Joy, Cllr Ashleigh Davies and Malcolm Walls, green space development officer

A popular park in Cheltenham has undergone significant improvements ensuring more users can access the greenspace all-year round.

More than £30,000 has been spent on installing nearly 300 metres of gravel path at Elmfield Park which means users can now walk round the two-hectare site free from mud and puddles over the wetter winter period.  

As part of the improvements more biodiversity has also been created. This includes swales which are not only good for plant and insect life but reduces localised surface water flooding during wet periods.

The Friends of Elmfield and the Community Rest Garden successfully submitted funding applications to Cheltenham Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy and UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The works to lay the gravel park were undertaken by Gloucestershire-based contractor Greenfields Ltd.  More work will be undertaken to fully connect the circular path when suitable funding becomes available.

Cllr Paul Baker cabinet member for parks, gardens and open spaces, said: “This is a really positive improvement for Elmfield Park and for everyone who enjoys spending time there.

“The park is well used by the community whether it’s for dog walking, junior football, the children’s park, outdoor gym, people cycling in and out of town along the Honeybourne Line or the children at Gardners Lane Primary School.

“It’s impressive to see how the community has rallied round, and no doubt will continue to do so in the future, to improve local facilities for the community to enjoy.”

Alison Samways, chair of The Friends of Elmfield and the Community Rest Garden, added: “The path ensures no matter the weather the park can be accessed at any time of the year. Residents have told me how important that is – particularly on a cold winter’s day. Whether it’s walking your dog or just getting out into the open - the benefits to your wellbeing can’t be overstated.”

Moira Montague, a resident who lives nearby, regularly walks her dog in the park. She said: “The path has been well installed and the improvements are just fantastic. I walk my dog, Cosee, all the time and not having to worry about mud and puddles makes all the difference.”

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