Furzton facts for kids
Furzton is a neighborhood located in the southwest part of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. It's part of the larger area called Shenley Brook End. A big part of Furzton is covered by the man-made Furzton Lake. This lake helps control water levels. Furzton is about 2 miles south of the main city center of Milton Keynes.
Contents
History of Furzton
How Furzton Was Built
The homes in South Furzton were built in the early to mid-1980s. The first houses appeared in the Parkside/Favell Drive area. Building then moved west along Blackmoor Gate. Shops in Furzton were built after 1984. Before that, people had to go to Melrose Avenue in Bletchley for shopping.
Growth of North Furzton
Before North Furzton was built, the land north of the brook was farmland. People living in South Furzton could easily walk to open countryside. When plans for North Furzton were announced, some residents were worried. They thought extending Dulverton Drive would bring much more traffic. Most of the South Furzton homes were finished when the lake construction began. North Furzton's homes and shops were built between 1990 and 2004.
Furzton Lake: A Balancing Act
Why Furzton Lake Was Built
The people who designed Milton Keynes had to plan for floods. This area has clay soil and is quite flat. A key part of their plan was to stop floodwater from reaching the River Great Ouse. This prevents flooding in towns further downstream. They did this using special "balancing lakes" and managed floodplains.
The Role of Loughton Brook
Loughton Brook is a small stream that flows through Furzton. It starts in Whaddon and joins the Ouse at New Bradwell. Even though it's usually small, it collects water from a large area. The paved roads and buildings around it add to the water flow. Furzton Lake, built in the 1980s, is the first big balancing lake this brook meets. It covers about 70 acres.
Lake as a Community Space
The brook's floodplain forms a long, narrow park about 200 meters wide. This park runs through Furzton from west to east. The lake and its surroundings are a very important place for local people. They use it for walks, relaxation, and other fun activities.
Church of the Servant King
A Community Church
The Church of the Servant King, Furzton is a special kind of church. It's called an ecumenical church, meaning different Christian groups worship there together. It is part of the Watling Valley Ecumenical Partnership. The church started with a small group meeting in a community house. A leader from the Church Army guided them.
Growth and New Building
As more people joined, the group moved to bigger places. First, they met at the Meeting Place in South Furzton. Then, they moved to Coldharbour School. The current church building opened in June 1992. Its official opening was in September 1992. The building is on Dulverton Drive and is shared with the Ridgeway Community Centre.
