Ceremony marks opening of upgraded park
27/06/08
A refurbished park will be officially opened next week to give people in inner-city Aberdeen easy access to green space.
Julie Proctor, chief executive of Greenspace Scotland, will formally open Deer Road park, Woodside, on Wednesday, 2 July.
The refurbishment of the park includes new play equipment and seating, a sports pitch, native tree and hedge planting and a new tarmac path.
The project was a joint venture between Aberdeen City Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Auld Woodside Action Group and Aberdeen Greenspace (formally Aberdeen Countryside Project).
Attending the opening ceremony will be representatives from the groups involved, along with representatives from the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB.
The opening of the park coincides with the launch of Aberdeen Greenspace, a local environmental charity that works with local communities and partners to improve greenspace in the city of Aberdeen.
Julie Proctor, of Greenspace Scotland, said: “Quality greenspace makes a real difference to people's lives, improving quality of life, supporting happier and healthier communities and bringing nature into the city. I look forward to seeing Aberdeen Greenspace go from strength to strength, working with and supporting more communities, like the Auld Woodland Action Group, to transform their local greenspaces.”
Alister Clunas, of Aberdeen Greenspace, said: “We are delighted to launch Aberdeen Greenspace at Deer Road park. The project is a clear illustration of what our organisation is all about, working with communities to improve their local greenspace.
“Auld Woodside Action Group has been an inspiration in driving forward improvements to the park. We would welcome requests from other community groups to work with them to improving their local greenspace.”
Janet Bruce, Chair of Auld Woodside Action Group, commented: “Without the initiative of the Auld Woodside Action Group and the commitment of the local community through fundraising and donations the park would not be the overwhelming success that it is today.”
Councillor Ron Clark added: “We are delighted with the opening of this refurbished park. It will allow local people to enjoy their outdoor space and is of huge benefit to the community.”
Aberdeen Countryside Project was established in 1997. However, the term `countryside’ in the title implied that the organisation only worked in the outskirts of the city and not within the built-up areas. New terminology has developed over the years, with greenspace becoming the accepted term for open space within urban areas. The new name better describes the work undertaken and will enable promotion of the work in a more clear and coherent fashion.
Aberdeen Greenspace is funded by the Landfill Community Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage and works in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, community groups and others to deliver environmental improvement projects within the city of Aberdeen.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
