Improvements to Meriden Park by the council are progressing well, with the open space benefiting from better park and access facilities, and further biodiversity and car park enhancements soon...
The works are part of the council's ongoing efforts to enhance parks and open spaces in the town, and include an improved and extended footpath that has been installed around the park. The spoil has been used to lay the foundations for landscaping mounds that will be planted with grass seed and fully landscaped. An additional table tennis table has also been installed.
Meriden Park will now also benefit from a height restriction barrier installed at the entrance to the Community Centre, and knee-high railing was added to the boundary of Meriden Way and Garsmouth Way to deter illegal encampment and protect the park for local residents. Accessibility was also improved with the installation of dropped kerbs along Garsmouth Way.
The next phase of works, which focuses on landscaping, will take place over the coming months between winter and autumn. More trees will be planted to add to Watford’s tree canopy (at 18.2%, which is higher than the national average of 16%), as well as a new wildflower meadow, bulb planting and more benches for seating and picnics. As well as making the park even more beautiful, these initiatives will support biodiversity, and improve the soil, climate and the environment.
Later this year, the car park at Meriden Community Centre will also benefit from improvements, thanks to £20,000 in funding from the council's Neighbourhood Grant. It will involve essential repairs, including filling in potholes and increasing safety measures to the car park, such as painting white lines and coloured walkway strips.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I am delighted to see the improvements so far to Meriden Park and I am also looking forward to see the trees and wildflowers blossom, as well as the better access to the Community Centre. The works were as promised in my manifesto, and are part of our ongoing commitment to enhance parks and green spaces in Watford for all residents to enjoy.
“The local councillors in Meriden worked hard to make this a reality and we will continue to invest in fantastic parks and green spaces, with a focus on biodiversity and facility improvements that will benefit mental and physical wellbeing, as well as wildlife."
Cllr Tim Williams (Portfolio Holder for Streets and Parks), Cllr Jenny Pattinson (Portfolio Holder for Housing and Wellbeing), Cllr Amanda Grimston (Chairman of the Council), Vanessa Wright (Watford FC CSE Trust's Meriden Centre Manager) and Peter Taylor (Elected Mayor of Watford)
Cllr Tim Williams, Portfolio Holder for Streets and Parks, said: “Parks are not just patches of green grass and playground equipment, they are essential community spaces that provide a wealth of benefits. It’s therefore great to see the improvements at Meriden Park that will benefit people of all ages and backgrounds.”
There will be an opportunities for the community to assist with bulb and tree planting, and set up a Friends of Meriden Park volunteer group, so please contact parkconsultation@watford.gov.uk if you are interested. You can find out more about Watford’s open spaces at www.watford.gov.uk/parks
Cllr Tim Williams (Portfolio Holder for Streets and Parks), Cllr Jenny Pattinson (Portfolio Holder for Housing and Wellbeing), Cllr Amanda Grimston (Chairman of the Council) and Peter Taylor (Elected Mayor of Watford)
