Memoral Park plans unveiled
Feasibility Study published for Alexander Hamilton site
The future of Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park is looking bright upon the completion of a Feasibility Study and Woodland Management Plan after several months of community consultation and public interest.
The documents take into account the 300-plus replies in the public consultation period, and explore options for the development and management of woodland in the historic park, as an attractive and well managed area for community use, taking into account the unique heritage of the park.
Friends of Stonehouse Park (FOSP) commissioned Mark Hamilton Landscape Services to undertake the Woodland Park Management Plan, and landscape architects ERZ Studio and Forestry Commission to undertake the Feasibility Study.
Both were completed with support from Central Scotland Green Network Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund and LEADER supported Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership.
The FOSP committee also met with representatives from South Lanarkshire Council, Kenny Lean, Economic Development Manager and Malcolm Muir, Countryside and Greenspace Manager, to discuss future land management issues and partnership working. These would allow FOSP to progress with plans to regenerate and refresh the park and its facilities.
Looking at the ambitious plan of improvements over five years, the FOSP committee plan to initially look at developments in the woodland areas of the park and latterly address the formal park, with improvements to equipment and facilities, thus broadening the appeal for visitors.
Karen Kelly, FOSP secretary said: “We know that the local community are right behind us and want improvements in the park space.
“We would love to get the ball rolling by bringing back the amazing chute and refurbishing the bandstand-making a huge impact really quickly.
“However, we have to start small and take bite sizes pieces of the park to task. Therefore for our committee it is most beneficial to begin in the woodland. As the majority of the committee work full time it is sheer determination and good will that are making changes happen. We would welcome more enthusiastic individuals to join our committee.”
Christina Mckelvie MSP, Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, has welcomed a draft plan for the future of Stonehouse Park.
She said: “The Friends have really come together as a community with great support from all around the area. They have already secured funding to complete a Feasibility Study and have consulted widely to find out more about what local people – including the children – want from their park.
“I am 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.”
Donna Marshall, CAVLP Manager added: “The completion of the Feasibility Study and Woodland Management Plan is an exciting next step for the incredibly hard-working and dedicated Friends of Stonehouse Park volunteers.”
The Feasibility Study and Woodland Management Plan are available to view at www.clydeandavonvalley.org.