John Coles Park
Chippenham Town is very fortunate to have such an impressive public park; the park is named after John Coles, who arrived in Chippenham in 1870. He was a well respected pharmacist and had a shop in the Market Place.
John Coles became Mayor of Chippenham in 1891 and again in 1896 and 1915; he died on 15th March 1916. He left a legacy to Chippenham Borough Council, which was invested and together with other financial aid, 15 acres of parkland was purchased and redeveloped. John Coles Park opened to the public on 23rd May 1923.
A short while after the park opened, the Bandstand was introduced and quickly became an eye-catching attraction. It was designed by Mr Adams, who was the Borough Surveyor and cost £267. During the summer months, band concerts became extremely popular and have continued to this day.
Today, the park has retained its original Victorian splendour and is laid out with a large grassed area, beautiful displays of bedding plants, colourful flowers and has a collection of mature trees. A large number of animals and birds live in the park, including foxes. The park welcomes visitors throughout the winter and summer months and they're encouraged to stroll and relax or sit and listen to a band concert.
The park is managed on a daily basis by our skilled Grounds Maintenance Team, who are extremely dedicated and pride themselves in delivering a high standard of horticultural maintenance. Our team ensure that the quality and standards of the grassed areas, litter collection, flower and shrub beds, hedges and trees are kept to a high level at all times.
Chippenham Town Council believes that play is a vital part of a child's development and are committed in providing areas and facilities that provide this. A safe and clean outdoor play area is located by the main entrance to the park. All play areas are inspected regularly by our trained staff and are ROSPA certificated.
Other facilities that the park has to offer are:
- Tennis Courts
- Bowls Green
- Refreshment Kiosk
The park is open from 8am daily and closes at dusk (spring & summer), but closes at 4pm during the winter months.
2008 band concerts in John Coles Park
May 2008
- 4th Chippenham Town Band
- 11th Wiltshire Constabulary Band
- 18th Cold Ash Brass Band
- 25th Folk Festival Weekend
June 2008
- 1st Bath Spa Band
- 8th Wootton & district Silver Band
- 22nd Cricklade Band
- 29th Filton Concert Band
July 2008
- 6th Avon Fire & Rescue Band
- 13th Wootton Bassett Brass Band
- 20th Malmesbury Concert Band
- 27th Corsham Town Band
August 2008
- 3rd Chippenham Town Band
- 10th Marshfield Brass band
- 17th Bristol East Band
- 24th Ramsbury Silver Band
- 31st Bratton Silver Band
September 2008
- 7th Paulton Concert Band
- 14th Warminster Brass Band
- 21st Marshfield Brass band
- 28th Chippenham Town Band