Supporting Statement
The project was funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund "Parks for People"...
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The project was funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund "Parks for People" award (£430,000) ;Historic Scotland, from Kilsyth Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (£20,000); community fundraising from a WREN grant (£50,000); and North Lanarkshire Council.
The original poor infrastructure of the park was improved with a high quality design brief and specification, involving authentic restoration (following extensive research and surveys), specialist contractors and traditional materials and skills (with training opportunities in these) and sympathetic, creative new designs, such as the use of sloping granite sett edging to deter parking, the new landscaping restoring historic views, interpretation panels and the decorative spotlighting of historic features.
Improvements such as better drainage, smooth and edged paths, more lighting and seating, conifer removal and no parking on footpaths have made the park much safer and accessible to all users. The bandstand and war memorial are now wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability will be achieved with a 10-year maintenance plan, marketing plan and continuing audience development and community support. The aim is to attract as many people, sections of the community and visitors as possible and to raise awareness of the park, its heritage and attractions and its value to the community.
Some achievements so far are Doors Open Day 2010; presentation to BEFS congress, Edinburgh 2010; part of Kilsyth in Bloom 2010 (Beautiful Scotland campaign-Silver Award); bandstand community events (music, crafts, Christmas carols, Kilsyth Civic Week fashion show and poetry reading) and the community celebration event in September 2011 to mark the 25Th Anniversary of Burngreen as a Peace Park. Future activities planned include horticultural and biodiversity events, school project, Healthy Walks initiative and Local history archive.
Kilsyth Community Council considers that the Burngreen Park restoration project has succeeded in creating a truly special place which is being well used and enjoyed by the local community.
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