Stroll in the park at £100k paths project

Improvements work reaching final phase now

Walkers are set to benefit from the completion of a £100,000 renovation project to improve the path network around King’s Park.

Work has begun on the final phase of improvements to the park’s upper path, which provides superb views of iconic sites such as Stirling Castle, Gillies Hill and the Carse of Stirling towards Ben Vorlich.

During wet weather parts of the upper path become muddy and access is restricted due to excessive plant growth, resulting in walkers using parts of the golf course fairway.

In 2015 The Kings Park Path Group, comprising Kings Park Community Council, Friends of Kings Park, Stirling Golf Club and Stirling Council, commissioned a feasibility report for improving the path network in Kings Park.

Earlier this year, work to create a new lower path – around the flatter part of the park and football pitch area – and improvements to the Douglas Terrace steps was completed.

Stirling Council has since assisted the Kings Park Community Council to secure more than £100,000 Scottish Government funding to improve the upper path.

Work on the upper path will be carried out by the council’s roads and land services staff and it’s hoped the enhanced route will greatly improve the surface and open up parts of the path, and viewpoints, lost due to excessive plant growth.

It is also hoped the project will address the issues relating to walking on the golf course. Work is due to be completed by mid-January.

Convenor of environment and housing Jim Thomson, said, “This has been a fantastic coordinated effort from each member of the Kings Park Path Group to bring these plans to fruition.

“We hope that, when the path is completed in the New Year, that locals and visitors alike will enjoy this walk around Kings Park and admire the superb views.”

Tory councillor for Stirling West Neil Benny said: “I am delighted the programme we have been working on for the last two years is being put into action.

“These improvements will enhance this beautiful area foor everyone.

“The community council, paths group and others from the community deserve great credit for their efforts and persistence.”

King’s Park Paths Group leader, Andrew Hipkin, said, “We are very pleased with the improvements to the upper path being carried out by the council as they will achieve our aim of improving access for a wider range of people. The improved paths will also allow better management of the vegetation for the benefit of walkers and wildlife.”

Stirling Golf Club representative, George Clelland, said, “A wellconstructed paths network will greatly enhance the overall amenity of Kings Park and allow both path users and golfers to co-exist in a much safer environment.

“We look forward to the project being completed.”

Stirling Council will maintain the paths and areas close by but volunteers will be needed for some of the wider areas.

The King’s Park Paths Group would be pleased to hear from individuals or groups with their ideas for making more use of the park.

Contact secretary Andrew Hipkin if interested.