Half of Bedford Park could be covered by a huge canopy under unusual new plans to protect the grass from rain, support runners and sports users, and open the door to year-round concerts and events.
Important update below
The proposal, described by one source as “an O2-style cover for Bedford”, would see a vast clear structure installed over one side of the park, shielding the ground from bad weather while still letting in enough sunlight to keep the grass green.
Supporters say the idea could solve one of the park’s biggest headaches: how to keep it open and usable for the people who enjoy it most, while avoiding churned-up mud and worn-out grass that can follow wet weather and major events.
Under the plans, park goers, runners, sports groups and families would still be free to use the covered area as normal, only with far less risk of ending up ankle-deep in soggy ground after a downpour.
British weather
Local parks and green spaces manager Teresa Green said the idea could be a long-term solution to a long-standing issue.
She said: “The aim is simple. We want to protect the grass from being churned up and spoiled, while still allowing residents to enjoy the park in all seasons.
“The transparent design means people still get the open feel of the park, but without quite so much of the British weather.”
Backers say the canopy could also transform how the park is used for events.
With more reliable ground conditions, organisers would have greater freedom to bring in additional concerts, fitness events, food festivals and community activities, with less worry about rain turning the site into a mud bath.
Justin Time, director of an events planning company, added that the scheme could create a flexible space unlike anything else in the region.
“This would give Bedford a covered outdoor venue that still feels like a park,” he said.
“It would benefit everyday users, but it would also open up more possibilities for things like the Bedford Summer Series and other events that currently depend heavily on the weather holding out.”
Early concept drawings are also said to include a rainwater-diversion system around the edge of the structure, with one option featuring a decorative moat around the bandstand to collect runoff during particularly wet periods.
A source close to the project said the feature was intended to be “both practical and visually distinctive”, although it is not yet clear whether pedalos would form part of the final design.
Umbrella fears
But, as is the norm, not everyone is happy.
Bedford-based WeatherWise Umbrellas said the plans risk sending the wrong message entirely to residents by removing one of the town’s most reliable reasons to buy a brolly.
“You take away the threat of a sudden downpour, and where does it end?” asked their spokesperson, Gail Force.
“Today it’s Bedford Park. Tomorrow it’s the Embankment. Before long, people are walking around in April with no umbrella, no hood and no respect for centuries of British meteorological caution.
“We are deeply disappointed,” she added.
The plans are understood to be at an early stage, with engineers still working on how such a structure could be supported without spoiling the park’s look.
Update: April Fool! As some of you guessed, this was indeed an April Fool. But, maybe it’s not such a bad idea either… OK, ok, enough with the jokes. Thanks to everyone for joining in the fun. Have a great day.
