Draft:Riverside Park, Southampto

Riverside Park is an open green space located in the Bitterne Park area of Southampton. The 32 hectare site is located along the River Itchen, Hampshire and bounded by the districts of Townhill Park to the east, and Swaythling to the north west. The park's northern most point backs onto the M27 motorway with access pedestrian access to the Itchen Valley Country Park. The southern most point of the park backs onto Bitterne Triangle and Cobden Bridge.

With a location looking out to the River Itchen, the park offers views to all the wildlife the utilises the watercourse which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

While managed by Southampton City Council, the organisation Friends of Riverside Park is made up of local volunteers with a vested interest in the park. They facilitate the bookings of the pitches as well as organising regular litter picking. The organisation also look to promote the park with events such as Trifest to get local venders, musicians and traders visible in the public area.

The local Bitterne Park Primary School and Riverside Pre-School both back onto Riverside Park.

Attractions and Facilities
The Park boasts a number of attractions and facilities.

Sports
The park hosts six Association Football pitches. The pitches are full-sized and grass with access to changing facilities. The local AFC Riverside play their matches at the park.

Riverside Park Cricket Pitch is located off Manor Farm Road in the eastern part of the south section of the park. Two cricket pitches are available at the park to book through the Friends of Riverside Park organisation.

In 2017, a multi-use games area (MUGA) opened following a £52,000 funded deal between Southampton City Council and Veolia Environmental Services. Basketball, Netball, Five-a-side football and a cricket cage were all made available in the park.

A single, hard-surface tennis court is available to use.

A skate park is located in the park near Woodmill Lane. Made up of two quarter pipes on one side with single quarter pipe and flat bank on the other. They are metallic in construction on a tarmac base.

A junior Parkrun event is hosted at the park. The event is a weekly 2km and open to ages 4-14 years old. The course starts next to the tennis court and consists of one short and one long lap. The route covers tarmac footpaths, gravels paths and grass.

Fly Fishing is not suitable at the park owing to the footpath along the riverbank. Fishing is available along between Woodmill Lane and the White Swan between 16 June & 14 March. The main catch available in the River Itchen in this area is chub, roach, pike and perch with occasional grayling.

Woodmill Activity Centre
Located in the north part of the park is the Woodmill Activity Centre. This multi-activity centre has a wide range of activities and experiences for all ages. As the centre is located on the waters of the River Itchen, kayaks and canoes are available to rent. Raft building and paddle boarding are also available.

Out of the water, the centre has archery and laser tag experiences as well as axe throwing. Outdoor experiences such as orienteering, building camp fires and bushcraft are available.

Miniature Railway
The park hosts a miniature railway run and operated by Southampton and District Society of Model Engineers. The track opened in 1962 after Southampton City Council allowed for a raised track for three and a half, and five inch miniatures in the area known as Cobden Meadows.

In 2023, the society celebrated 60 years of the miniature railway in the park.

Cycle Training Track
Situated close to the riverside and nearby playground, the park hosts a cycle training track complete with road markings and signs.

Playgrounds
There are two playgrounds in the park. One looks out onto the River Itchen and parking from Nursery Road. The second playground is off Manor Farm Road next to Bitterne Park Primary School.

Food and Drink
The top of the park and river walk is home to the White Swan. This pub and restaurant dates back to the early 1800s and sits on the bank of the River Itchen and off Mansbridge Road. The location of the pub however is susceptible to flooding which has caused it's temporary closure. Most recently in January 2024, the carpet and furniture was wrecked by 37.8mm of rainfall that hit Southampton. The water levels reached knee height with the car park also completely submerged.

Opposite to the activity centre is the Woodmill Coffee Kitchen. The café offers a breakfast and lunch menu of homemade goods.

Outside of the park to the south, Bitterne Triangle hosts a number of cafe's and take away establishments.