Check out park designs

People in Barrhead and Neilston have explored their artistic sides by getting involved in a community arts project.

They have been helping create an inspiring new boardwalk at Barrhead’s Dams to Darnley Country Park.

An exhibition displaying their creative ideas will run from March 14 to 18 at Barrhead Foundry.

Plans are in place to transform Dams to Darnley Country Park into a must-visit leisure destination.

Attractions will include a visitor centre, wake park and the boardwalk, with improved access to the park for cars, cyclists and pedestrians.

I n i t i a ted by E a s t Renfrewshire Council, ideas for how the boardwalk at Balgray Reservoir within the park will look and feel have involved schools, community groups and residents.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, the council leader, said: “It’s really inspiring to see the creative ideas produced by our residents for the boardwalk.

“Having local people involved in shaping our City Deal projects is really important to us.

“This community input will contribute to the final boardwalk design, helping to create a distinctive outdoor space to explore in East Renfrewshire.

“Our ambitious City Deal projects will play an important part in developing East Renfrewshire’s local economy, improving leisure and business opportunities as well as creating jobs.”

The creative events were run by the council’s appointed architects Erz Ltd in collaboration with artists Bespoke Atelier and poet Ken Cockburn.

Participants explored the rich textile history sur rounding Bal g ray Reservoir through block printing and mark making.

They also created short poems including words inspired by the reservoir.