BENCH MARK
Memorial Park seat is carved out of fallen tree
Two benches have been installed at the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park... but neither is entirely ‘new’ to the area.
For the benches have been carved out of a fallen tree at the park which was blocking the pathway to the boags.
Members of the Friends of Stonehouse Park (FOSP) group, with help from the Clydesdale Community Initiative, transformed the tree into benches for the community to use.
FOSP chairperson Mark Monie explained: “There was a tree blocking the paths down to the boags. My friend and I decided to clear the path with the South Lanarkshire Council foresters and management’s permission.
“Instead of cutting good wood up for firewood, we decided to mill it into planks that could be utilised in the park. Benches were the obvious choice.
“After gaining permission from the park managers we went about trying to find a partner to make this the installation process easier. And as we all ready knew the great work Clydesdale Community Initiatives do, we asked them.”
Alistair Mckinnon, head of facilities, fleet and grounds services at SLC, added: “This is a great initiative using a large ash tree which had come down within the park. We are delighted to see it being re-used for the benefit of the local community.”
Meanwhile, the FOSP group received more than 300 replies in its recent feasibility study, which is helping to shape a draft plan for the future of the park.
The group’s Karen Kelly said: “The study is almost complete, and the design boards are at the Stonehouse Lifestyles Centre for anyone to see.
“Once the feasibility study is completed in November, the FOSP committee will be working with Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership, Central Scotland Green Network and the Forestry Commission to actively source funding to make the plans a reality.
“The committee will continue to put on more events in the park to increase awareness and use.” The progress was welcomed by Christina Mckelvie, MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, who said: “The Friends have really come together as a community with great support from all around the area.
“I’m so impressed by this community effort, the energy and determination that surround it. I totally support their efforts and wish the project well as it moves forward.”
The group are organising a Halloween spooky walk for October 29 and is appealing for volunteer ‘scarers.’
For more information, email karenfosp@gmail.com.
Tickets will be available from September on Eventbrite, see the Friends of Stonehouse Park Facebook page for more details.