Official Council Response
Petition – Save Maryon Wilson Animal Park Care Centre.
6.1 A petition containing approximately 4,000 was presented to Council by
Councillor Alan McCarthy on 26 October 2011.
(Editors note: Plus 3,500 presented in March 2010)
6.2 The Council is committed to keeping the Maryon Wilson Animal Park open and to meeting one of the key objectives of the management plan for Maryon
Wilson Park which states:
‘to aid the efficient and effective management of the site to create a safe, clean and enjoyable experience for the local community and visitors and help to achieve the Council’s strategic intentions for the green space strategy by developing a vibrant and sustainable park’.
6.3 The Council has established the Maryon Wilson Animal Park Trust; which was registered with Companies House on 12th of January 2012.
6.4 The Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Service will continue to provide
support to the Trust as it establishes sustainability over the first 12 months.
6.5 The overarching objectives of the trust are:
• Promote animal welfare and education through good animal husbandry and a diverse animal stock, educate and promote good practice, care and understanding of animal welfare.
• Improve the infrastructure by providing modern, fit for purpose facilities, including a café/classroom, new small animal centre storage and toilet facilities.
• Provide a structured educational and enjoyable experience for future generations of Greenwich residents.
• Improve sustainability by ensuring sufficient interest and diversity is provided to retain interest from visitors. Provide different and seasonal
interest. Work in partnership to maximise opportunity and diversity.
• Ensure financial stability of the animal park through self financing from income generated from visitors/sponsors or sales of goods or services.
• Provide a visitor attraction which offers a good and repeatable experience and populate the park with positive activity, particularly for and by young people.
6.6 The Trust will be appointing Trustees to provide and develop best practice, advice and guidance on animal husbandry and the management of Animal Park.
6.7 The Trust will manage a volunteer programme and receive help in key areas of the management of the Animal Park. This includes:
• assisting with fundraising activities
• mucking out and caring for the animals
• helping in the after schools club
• planning an event.
6.8 Volunteering can also provide individuals with a range of benefits for the
volunteers including:
• increased job and career prospects and new skills
• increased confidence
• a sense of satisfaction and achievement .