A13 Artscape

Goresbrook Park

Artist Andrew Darke and Kinnear Landscape Architects spent several years researching Goresbrook Park and consulting with local residents to create a new landscape scheme for this urban green space in Dagenham.

The Goresbrook Park consultation included design workshops, presentations and events at the park and community halls, community arts and youth arts projects and organised community site visits to quarries and suppliers for materials.

As part of the new landscaping, which saw new trees, paths, dog bins, wildflower bands, stream clearance and skate park and sports facilities installed, several 'artistic' features were also installed, including a granite 'ping-pong' table, turf seating and a hand built wooden deck with seating.

Vandalism

Unfortunately the area saw a dramatic rise in antisocial behaviour from young people, not all of whom were from the area, during the summer of 2003 and subsequently many of the trees, flowering fields, seating areas and artistic features have been destroyed.

This has obviously caused a great deal of upset to local residents and distress to the artist and designers.

Until the authority is able to take responsibility for and manage the antisocial behaviour in the area, the scheme is suspended in the interests of all concerned.

Grass bench in Goresbrook park