Grant secures new look for Stewarton's Cunningham Watt Park
30 November, 2011
An investment of £200,000 from Ayrshire LEADER and Awards for All has allowed East Ayrshire Council, in partnership with Stewarton Woodland Action Trust, to give Cunningham Watt Park a complete overhaul.
This important greenspace has been included in the Park Improvement Programme and over the last few months has received an essential facelift including path and step upgrades, bridge replacement and new street lighting.
East Ayrshire Countryside Rangers Service has also been working with both Lainshaw and Nether Robertland Primary Schools to find ways of making the park a greater community asset. The young people have researched the history of the park; have surveyed the wildlife and prepared an action plan for further park improvements.
Last week over 100 young people from the two schools presented their ideas to East Ayrshire Council elected members and officials, representatives from Stewarton Woodland Action Trust, Stewarton Community Council and East Ayrshire Woodlands.
Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council was joined at Cunningham Watt Park by local members for Annick – Cllrs Rose-Ann Cuninghame, John MacKay and John McGhee. He said: “Despite the weather we all really enjoyed the day. The ideas from the young people were fantastic and over the next few months you will see some of the ideas from the school’s action plan being implemented in the park. This will include fruit tree planting, bulb and wildflower planting, new benches and picnic areas, bike racks, signage and much, much more!”
This is just the start of things for Cunnningham Watt Park and if you would like to be involved in any future projects in the park or other open spaces in Stewarton please get in touch with Stewarton Woodland Action Trust through the Stewarton on line website or with East Ayrshire Ranger Service on 01563 554734 or at rangers@east-ayshire.gov.uk.
Good news for the park – and for Stewarton! What projects would you like to see in the park? Post your comments and have your say here on s1stewarton
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