New chess park at Holland Park?

[marc]

It seems that many would like to see a dedicated chess park at Holland Park. Sounds like a great idea.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

A few questions if I may:

1) Where do you think the best place for it might be?

2) What facilities/equipment are required?

3) Financial costs involved?

Perhaps we could get some backing/support in one form or another from Friends of Holland Park, K&C, Quadron services, Chess association, Lottery funding etc. Also raise awareness through various means.

[Angelo]

Marc, thanks. I have been considering the idea for some time and gave it a lot of thought. I even approached the council last year (with an offer to finance it) but nothing happened.

This year I had a serious injury (I better stop cycling!) so couldn't do much.

Regarding the chess park - my idea was to place it near the cafe area in Holland Park. There was a concrete platform on the other side of the path about 5 years ago. I thought this would be the best place for it. It would consist of timber decking, a canopy, 3 or 4 tables with chess boards built into them, and even provide chess pieces and clocks which should be under lock and key somewhere.

I suggested to the council that this could be run from the 1st March to the end of October and removed in the winter. I got an estimate that it would not cost more than £5,000, which I was prepared to pay.

I can meet you if you wish, if you want to discuss this.

[Tommy]

Any progress here?

[Angelo]

Not much. I was told by someone that it was unlikely to be agreed, under the circumstances.

I thought Marc the gardener might offer some advice, but it seems that Marc the gardener does not exist! (Well, he has disappeared, at any rate...)

[Alex]

I have talked to a few regulars players and they do not care about some chess park. We prefer the cafe area location.