Friends of St Mary's Flower Park 'Accessible to All'

The Bury Health Improvement Grant - is allowing our 'Accessible to all' project £5000 to put in a range of improvements that we will be working with Bury Council and the community volunteers to enact during 2022. 

1) Widen and re-surface the boundary paths in the park which are currently pot-holed,  deteriorated and in a poor state of repair.   

From Bury New Road’s entrance into the Flower Park there are two sloped wheelchair suited ramps plus a set of steps leading into the formal gardens, but the curved boundary path leading to the far end of the Flower Park and towards Prestwich Clough and around the bandstand area is in a poor state of repair - this path will be widened to make them accessible, to ensure its safe for users including those with disabilities and children. By making them accessible it will encourage people into the Flower Park to enjoy the greenspaces, explore more walking or exercising which is both good for physical and mental health.

2) Wildflower Meadow Pond  – the pond will be dug on the northern side of the Flower Park in the area that is currently boggy and unused; as there is a natural spring that can be used to fill and feed the pond. 

​The pond will encourage native species (which are in decline across the UK) and attract biodiversity to the area. Around the perimeter, wildflowers will  be planted to attract wildlife especially bees and insects.  
 
The pond will add to the appeal and attractiveness of St Mary’s Flower Park – encouraging people to visit this greenspace, to stop and view the wildflower pond. This will help to inspire people, allowing them time to reflect and enjoy the smoothing sound of water; encouraging people to get out and enjoy nature.  
 
The boundary path shall also be extended to reach the pond so that people can access the pond to view and enjoy it, which will great for people’s mental health. 
 
In the design and build of the pond, volunteers shall be invited to contribute and get involved. There shall be a safety risk assessment carried (via Bury Council) and have all appropriate safety measures abided to. Getting the community engaged and involved will be great for people’s physical health and sense of achievement.  

3) New Interpretation Boards, replacing the existing interpretation board that is weather-beaten to the point that the wording is unreadable and detracts from the aesthetics of the park. 
 
The new board will be re-located to be at the entrance of St Mary’s Flower Park and will help to engage people to find out more about the rich history of Prestwich and St Mary’s Flower Park.

4) A new Information / Noticeboard to be sited at the entrance of the flower park