Elm Park
History of Elm ParkElm Park, Filton
Elm Park is one of Filton’s most valued green spaces, providing a place for recreation, community events, and nature. The park continues to evolve through community input and ongoing investment from Filton Town Council.
You can hire football pitches at Elm Park at £60 per game. Please enquire by email or phone with Filton Town Council. office@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk or 01454 803 918
History of Elm Park
The field that is now Elm Park was originally leased before being purchased outright from Bristol Corporation in the late 1950s. The purchase was made possible through local fundraising efforts alongside a long-term loan from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB), of which a small balance of approximately £1,000 remains outstanding at a rate of 3.75%.
In 2002, an outline planning application was submitted for industrial development at the Combination Ground in Filton. As part of the proposed planning agreement, the developer would have contributed between £200,000 and £400,000 towards alternative recreational facilities within the town.
This prompted a period of strong community engagement. A public consultation, led by the now-disbanded group Filton People, gathered feedback through a study titled “What Filton People Want.” The findings highlighted a clear desire for improved recreational amenities, including:
- Enhancements to the BMX track
- Development of a skatepark
- Expansion of children’s play areas
- Improvements to the boules piste
- Better sports pitches and facilities
- Community notice boards and public spaces
- Wider improvements across Filton’s leisure and recreational areas
These community-led ideas continue to influence how Elm Park is managed and developed today.
Current Initiatives and Activities
Elm Park is an active and evolving space, with a number of initiatives aimed at supporting biodiversity, community wellbeing, and sustainability:
- Bee Squared Project – Supporting pollinators and raising awareness of their importance.
- Wildflower Beds & ‘No Mow May’ Areas – Designated zones to encourage biodiversity and natural habitats.
- Green Flag Award Management Plan – Ongoing work towards achieving nationally recognised standards for parks and green spaces.
- Friday Drinks in the Park (Summer only) – Informal community gatherings during the summer months.
- Filton Summer Festival – A key annual event bringing together residents for celebration and entertainment.
Park Management & Maintenance
Elm Park is maintained by Filton Town Council’s Open Spaces Team, who are responsible for the day-to-day upkeep, safety, and presentation of the park act as the grounds maintenance team.
Strategic oversight, including improvements and long-term planning, is managed by the Town Council’s officers and relevant committees, working closely with community partners and local organisations.
Looking Ahead: Future Improvements
Filton Town Council is committed to continuing the development of Elm Park to meet the needs of residents now and in the future. Planned and proposed improvements include:
- Skate Park and BMX Pump Track Refresh
Upgrading and modernising facilities to better serve young people and active users. - Improved Access to the MUST Track
Making this valued facility more accessible and inclusive. - Potential Football Pitch Upgrade
Enhancing pitch quality and facilities to support Filton Athletic FC in establishing a suitable home ground within the town.
These improvements aim to ensure Elm Park remains a vibrant, inclusive, and well-used space for all ages.
Get Involved
We welcome feedback from Filton residents on how Elm Park can continue to improve. If you have suggestions or would like to get involved in community initiatives, please contact Filton Town Council.