County Cllr Edwards gives insight into Riverside Park facelift

llanblogger's recent revelation that the current facelift to Riverside Park includes an outdoor gym has prompted some interesting social media comments, both in favour of this and otherwise.

Here, Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards, whose idea the gym was, explains the reasoning behind it and that of the whole scheme ....

"As one of your elected ward members, I wanted to explain how the Shared Prosperity Funding plans for the Riverside Park had developed and why the outdoor gym equipment had been proposed.

"Initial discussions focused on replacing the bandstand alongside further access improvements. As costs became clearer, it was evident there would be insufficient funding to replace the bandstand with one of a standard of quality the park deserves. I did not feel it would be right to proceed with a substandard replacement, particularly given the bandstand’s long-standing role and value within the park.

 

"A number of on-site meetings took place with Street scene officers to explore alternative options that could still deliver meaningful benefits within the available budget. I also engaged with the Town Council throughout the process and it was through these discussions that I suggested the idea of an outdoor gym area as this would provide free, accessible fitness opportunities, encourage healthier lifestyle and make better use of the park for people of all ages, this is not a new idea as this equipment has been installed in other parks within the authority.

 

"Any new lighting will match the rest of the park, using low level warm lighting – the same approach I advocated for when the park lanterns had to be replaced a couple of years ago. The additional picnic benches will be secured in place.

 

"Riverside Park is an ongoing project. Further improvements, including additional accessibility works and, in time, the careful replacement of the bandstand with something equally appropriate and in keeping with the park’s heritage, will continue to be pursued  as and when funding opportunities arise."