Stratton St Margaret Parish Council received 131 responses to its survey on how the park is used and what improvements people would like to see.
The results show the field is well used by the local community. 65 respondents said they visit daily, while another 48 visit weekly.
When asked what improvements they would back, the two most popular options were planting more trees and wildflowers and adding play equipment for children. Both ideas received 54 responses.
Dog-related facilities also featured prominently. 47 people supported dog-friendly areas, making it one of the most selected options.
Several residents used the comments section to suggest introducing dog agility equipment or a dedicated agility space.
One respondent wrote: “Dog agility equipment! Great for dog enrichment.”
Another suggested a secure area for dogs to exercise safely. They said: “An area for dogs to be off lead without the worry of the dog running onto Cricklade Road… maybe a small fenced off area with dog agility equipment.”
Others felt an agility course would add something different to the park. One wrote: “A dog agility course.”
The consultation also highlighted what residents value most about the field. Open space and nature was the most common answer, selected by 103 people.
Dog walking was chosen by 70 respondents, while 64 highlighted peace and quiet.
Some comments focused on the role the space plays in the community. One resident said: “Merton Fields is the ideal location for resident dog walking. During the morning and early evening it is peaceful and quiet.”
Another wrote: “It’s a wonderful community space for local residents to meet neighbours and walk their dogs.”
Several residents also highlighted the existing sports and play facilities as areas that could benefit from improvement. A number of responses called for the basketball court to be resurfaced, with some suggesting modern markings and materials to make it safer and more usable for young people.
Others said the park would benefit from additional play facilities for children, with suggestions ranging from a small enclosed play area for younger children to more equipment that would give families a reason to spend longer in the park. While views differed on how much change the field should see, these comments reflected a broader theme in the consultation of improving what already exists rather than introducing large new developments.
However, a number of respondents raised concerns about safety and anti-social behaviour.
One person described an incident involving a dog becoming unwell. They said: “Several years ago I met a fellow dog walker whose dog had been sniffing in the trees and was seriously ill afterwards. The vet identified that the dog had eaten ketamine, which it had picked up whilst sniffing around in Merton Playing Field.”
Views were mixed on how much change is needed. One respondent said: “Nothing, it’s fine as it is. Leave it as a green nature space.”
Other suggestions included better paths and lighting, more benches and picnic areas, and outdoor fitness equipment.
“We are grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation. The level of engagement shows how important Merton Fields is to residents who use it regularly for walking, recreation and spending time outdoors.
“The feedback includes a wide range of ideas, with particular interest in things such as improved facilities for children, enhancements to the natural environment and ideas around dog-friendly features.
“Our role now is to review the responses carefully and consider what improvements may be possible while preserving the open character of the field that many residents clearly value.”
The parish council will now review the feedback at their meeting next week, before deciding how to progress any of the proposed improvements.
