Work has started on a raft of improvements to Stanningley Park – which include a new pathway for walking, jogging and cycling.
As part of a consultation into the future of Stanningley Park, residents suggested extending the footpaths to make a circuit for walking, jogging and cycling alongside measures to prevent vehicles damaging pitches and intimidating users.
This gave the Bramley and Stanningley councillors the idea to introduce a green border treatment around the park which would be more attractive than a fence, add bio-diversity and benefit the environment, as well as preventing vehicle access.
At the same time the new path will be created. The soil will be dug up from the path and be used to create contours, which will then be planted with young trees and shrubs.
The path will be crushed stone, and the banking and border planting will hopefully give some protection against vehicles entering the park in a more attractive and environmentally friendly format than a fence.
In a joint statement to WLD, councillors Kevin Ritchie, Caroline Gruen and Jools Heselwood said:
“We felt the crushed stone would be more appropriate than tarmac for the path in this location it is very durable and will be maintained going forward.
“We are very excited about this next phase which will be aesthetically appealing, while securing the boundary, contribute to combatting climate change and create more opportunities for healthy, inclusive activity on the park. We understand the slow pace of improvements at the park is frustrating, but we lack the funding that other wards with lots of development get, which is the main source of funding for greenspace improvements.
“we are very enthusiastic about re -Instating the Friends of Stanningley Park Group, and if anyone is interested in becoming a friend, please contact either of the Bramley & STanningley councillors. We will contact those interested and convene a meeting/consultation group as soon as it is safe to do so.
“The Friends group will create opportunities to attract additional funding for further improvements.”
As part of Leeds City Council’s climate change agenda there is a commitment to plant nearly 6m trees over the next 25 years, starting with a Woodland Creation Initiative. An area on Stanningley Park has been chosen for the first phase of this.