Ashley Cross Green, Parkstone
Landscape improvements 2025/26
Published 22 November 2025; last updated 10 June 2026
The Project
Ashley Cross is a bustling greenspace at the heart of thriving businesses in Parkstone, used by residents, dog walkers, families, and workers alike. It was officially opened in 1890 by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) under the name “Parkstone Park” and is of local historical importance, as well as providing an oasis for nature in a busy area.
You may have noticed the space has been getting a gentle ‘refresh’ over recent months, with a series of enhancements that will ensure future generations are able enjoy the area for years to come.
Minor works commenced late 2025, with major footpath works following in spring 2026 – these and further works are described in our photo gallery below. More is to come, and the project is due for completion this summer.
Ashley Cross Green, June 2026
Improvements so far include:
- Repaired & refurbished benches and repainted lamp posts
- The desire line from the pedestrian crossing on Commercial Road has been formalised
- Central paths leading to the fountain have been resurfaced
- New planting has improved the site for nature and for people, with opened up views & sightlines
- The pétanque area is getting a make-over.
Still to come:
- We will be adding a chess board for young & old to enjoy, and repairing existing play equipment;
- Cleaning the fountain and replacing maintenance equipment to future-proof this popular feature.
- Adding an interpretation/information board describing the park’s nature & history
The four benches around the fountain have been refurbished
The four benches around the fountain have been refurbished
A new path links the Commercial Road pedestrian crossing with the centre of the park
A new path links the Commercial Road pedestrian crossing with the centre of the park
The ‘performance space’ has had a refresh
The ‘performance space’ has had a refresh
Main routes through the park have been resurfaced
Main routes through the park have been resurfaced
Improved planting at the stepped entrance from Station Road
Improved planting at the stepped entrance from Station Road
Greening for the future – new tree planting
Greening for the future – new tree planting
Volunteers from Parkstone Rotary Club weed the first of the pétanque terrains
Volunteers from Parkstone Rotary Club weed the first of the pétanque terrains
Great job!
Great job!
We have been fortunate to work closely with volunteers from Parkstone Rotary Club (who also secured the project funding) on planting sessions and the weeding of one of the pétanque terrains; the other will be done shortly.
If you’d like to be involved in any greenspace volunteer activity in the BCP region, please email us at greenvolunteer@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Project details
Budget £74,293.95
Funding Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Portion secured by Parkstone Rotary Club
Project Lead BCP Council’s Greenspace Development Team with Parkstone Rotary Club
T. 01202 123123
E. greenspaces@bcpcouncil.gov.uk