Elms Park, Thame

Thame Town Council
Thame, Oxfordshire

On behalf of Thame Town Council, TEP has prepared design proposals to revamp Elms Park in Thame. The 2.68 ha public park sits within a conservation area in the heart of this historic town. The design proposals envision a multi-usable green open space for a range programmed events including Music in the Park, an event which attracts 5000 people, through to hosting the neighboring school’s sports day. The designs create an attractive new park for a wide range of people to enjoy with a strong connection to the historic town center.

The landscape design is influenced by the linearity of the historic burgage plots which are an important component in the evolution of Thame. The landscape proposals include a range of linear spaces including a tree-lined boulevard connecting the north and south entrances of the park, a series of ornamental gardens, an activity zone offering a wide range of play opportunities and a large open space in the centre of the park for flexible use. The design has been guided by stakeholder and public consultation including consultation with the pupils at the neighboring primary school.

The park boulevard provides the main movement axis through the park and is highlighted through the choice of planting and inclusion of salt glazed clay pavers, making reference to the traditional building materials found in the historic town centre.