Monday 11th March 2013
Warminster Lake Pleasure Grounds (Warminster Town Park).
In the heart of Warminster and only a few steps from the Market Place is the Lake Pleasure Grounds (known locally as The Town Park). It was established in 1924 (on the site of what was the town’s rubbish dump) and has always been one of the finest parks in Wiltshire; it is very popular with residents and visitors alike.
The Were stream, which partly gives Warminster its name, flows through the Town Park. The main entrance is from Weymouth Street but access can also be gained from all sides including the Ridgeway Slope which was landscaped in 1977 and won an award from the Council for the Protection of Rural England.
The Lake Pleasure Grounds feature tennis courts, a refreshments kiosk, and a bandstand where, during the summer months, visiting brass and other bands give free concerts on some Sunday afternoons. Also here is the Warminster Park Community Centre, used by many community groups including the Warminster Camera Club and the Wednesday Evening Bingo players.
The boating lake has two islands giving a haven to ducks, swans and herons, who seem to ignore the human users of the pedaloes on the lake. The boathouse includes unisex toilets.
There are three play areas in the Park: the King George V Playing Field has slides, swings, roundabouts, climbing frames, rocking horses and a paddling pool. Next to it is the Adventure Playground for the more energetic. The Skate Park is complete with half-pipes for use by skate-boarders, roller-skaters and BMX bikers.
For those who want to take life at an easier pace there are seats situated alongside the path which circles the lake. The Morgan Memorial Fountain (now out of use), which stood in the busy Market Place until 1937 is now situate at the western end of the Lake Pleasure Grounds. It is adjacent the Civic Trust Garden.
The Lake Pleasure Grounds are watched by CCTV, making this a safe place, particularly for families, and all is enhanced by the flower beds which provide colour all year round. Free admission.