The Shape of things to come

27 Nov 2006

Work got underway this week on landscaping plans for Woodhead Park, with areas of low mounding being created across the parkland.

The work is the first of a series of landscaping plans being carried out by Kirkintilloch’s Initiative (KI) and East Dunbartonshire Council to improve the area of parkland surrounding the new leisure centre over the next three to five years.

The areas of low landscaping mounding are being created to separate the park from the surrounding roads and car parking and to give shape and definition to the land. A contractor is moving parts of the large earth mound directly in front of the leisure centre and repositioning small mounds, no higher than one metre, at various points identified by a landscaping architect across the park. Once all of the mounds are placed they will be covered in turf quickly to give the appearance that they have always been part of the parkland.

Duncan Hamilton, Project Director of KI explained:
“It’s important that we carry out this work now so that the parkland is ready to accommodate the development of the other proposals like the putting green, new footpaths and civic space. All work is being carried out to cause the least disruption possible so that people can still safely access and use the park and precautions are being taken not to damage to the existing grassland. “

The work follows a recent consultation on landscaping proposals for Woodhead Park, which were positively received by local people. As a result measures are now being taken to incorporate additional fencing around the leisure centre to help reduce noise levels from the outdoor activity spaces, like the 5 a-side pitches, for neighbouring residents. New lit footpaths will also be created around the leisure centre linking various entrances to and from different areas of the park.

Design work is currently underway for a replacement children’s play park and land is being identified to re-establish a putting green at Woodhead park. Both facilities are expected to be up and running before the opening of the leisure centre and it is hoped that the putting green will be jointly managed by the leisure centre.

Local residents have been invited to join a consultative group on the future of Woodhead Park and this group is in the process of being completed. They will work closely with KI and East Dunbartonshire Council to influence the design and implementation of the longer term plans for upgrading the landscape of the park.

Due to open by Autumn 2007 the Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre will provide modern leisure facilities including:
• A 25metre 6 lane swimming pool and training pool
• 4 court hall for activities like badminton, basketball and other sports
• exercise studio
• 70 station fitness suite
• four external 5 a-side football pitches
• two external tennis courts
• Meeting rooms, retail and commercial facilities

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