Parks contribute greatly to our quality of life in every corner of the city, so they deserve some TLC...
Edinburgh’s public parks and gardens are brilliant, aren’t they?
The fantastic news is that they’re about to get better following some serious investment.
Parks contribute greatly to our quality of life in every corner of the city, so they deserve some TLC. During the next 12 months, almost £3 million will be invested in the city’s public green spaces.
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Improvements will be carried out at more than 60 sites. They range from large ‘Premier Parks’, such as Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill and Inverleith, to community parks, including Colinton Mains, Hailes Quarry and Harrison Park.
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City squares, including St Patrick’s Square and Gayfield Square, will also benefit. Work will include providing better access, the promotion of bio-diversity, planting and new signage to direct even more people to our open spaces and the subsequent social, health and economic benefits.
This new investment will encourage sport and life-long learning, through improvements to play areas, pitches and pavilions, and support the Council’s Sport and Recreation Strategy to make Edinburgh the most physically active city in Europe by 2020.
All of the projects have been identified via a rigorous selection process. Wherever possible, it has involved communities and ‘Friends of Parks’ groups in targeting areas of greatest need. Community groups can still propose local candidates for funding to the Parks Unit.
Working with partner organisations has secured an additional £750,000 from external funders, including the Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, Landfill Tax and Lottery funding.
- If you require further information on a park near you, contact the Parks Unit on 0131 529 7913/7924 or e-mail them: parks@edinburgh.gov.uk