Seafield Gardens, which covers an area of 2.4 Hectares, provides important recreation and sports facilities for a residential housing area of 1.2 sq. km in Southbourne, Bournemouth located three minutes walk from the clifftop and beaches. Other parts of the park are also intensely used for informal recreation, in particular by young people and dog walkers. Originally a turf allotment, the council took on the ownership of Seafield in 1923 and 1928, with bowls and croquet facilities already in place and the Southbourne Bowls Club being set up in 1910.
The visual centrepiece of the park and surrounding urban area is the privately-owned water tower which is designated a Grade II Listed building, the Gardens therefore falling within the setting of a Listed building.
The park is well maintained by site-based ground staff who ensure, together with the Community Parks Officers, that the Gardens are safe to use and provide a pleasant environment for relaxation. The Gardens provide a range of facilities for a range of ages including bowls, croquet, tennis and associated pavilions, catering and a children’s play area for young people’s recreation.
The community is involved in the management of the bowls, croquet and tennis facilities through the Seafield Gardens Management Trust. The Fellowship Club also meets regularly for comradeship and for the playing of tabletop games. In addition there is a small Park Watch group that has recently been formed to address issues and assist in improving safety and security in the Gardens.
For further information on the management of the site please view the Seafield Gardens Management Plan.
