Disused school park to be become wellbeing space

ASEAFRONT park in Westonsuper-Mare which has lain dormant for years is to be turned into a wellbeing park.

Ellenborough Park West, which is part of Corpus Christi School, has remained locked up and unused for several years.

Now it is to be given a new lease of life to provide a wellbeing space for the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Weston Town Council is taking over the four-and-a-half-acre site, pictured, which sits alongside the seafront.

It will be transformed into a place for people to relax, reflect and meditate, and enjoy time outdoors. There are plans to run yoga and tai chi classes in the park and new seating will be installed.

Work will be carried out as part of the town council’s climate change drive, to care for and protect existing trees.

New trees will also be planted and there are plans to rewild some areas of the land.

There will also be signs around the park giving tips and advice on how to meditate.

The idea of the park is based on a similar initiative at Avon and Somerset Police headquarters in Portishead, which has an outdoor area where staff can practice meditation and mindfulness.

The school will also have full access to the park for recreational activities and outdoor learning.

Dogs, however, will not be allowed in the park, which will re-open to the community this month. There are also plans to run events in the park such as outdoor cinema and theatre productions.

Weston Town Council already manages Ellenborough Park East which is directly opposite.

Weston Town Council spokeswoman Becky Walsh said: “We hope to make this space a sanctuary for people to come and sit with their thoughts, read a book or have a picnic with friends and family.”

The park is of significant biodiversity interest, due to its plant communities, and was deemed a biological site of Special Scientific Interest in 1989.

The town council is looking to set up a friends group for the park. Email becky. walsh@wsm-tc.gov.uk.