Friends’ group launched to improve Aireville Park, Skipton (From Craven Herald)

Friends’ group launched to improve Aireville Park, Skipton

11:00am Friday 8th March 2013 in News

A group of Craven residents have got together in a bid to improve Skipton’s Aireville Park.

And they are hoping to relaunch a Friends of Aireville Park group to spearhead the project.

Group member Fiona Protheroe said: “Craven District Council should have limited funds in 2013 to make improvements to the park and we want to provide suggestions on how best to spend those funds to benefit the Skipton residents.

“Along with most of my friends I love Aireville Park and its wonderful open space. However, it could be so much more.

“The children’s play area feels uninspiring and could be more challenging for older children.

“I’ve been talking to friends about the park and we have some great suggestions already and would love to hear from more people about want they want from our park and how they can get involved.”

An initial meeting is planned at Craven District Council offices, at Belle Vue Mill, Skipton, on Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm.

“The aim of the meeting is to bring together people who visit the park and find out the different ways they use and enjoy the park,” said Fiona. “The Friends of Aireville Park want people who walk, run, play, picnic, skate or just sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery to come along to the meeting and let them know their thoughts on what improvements are needed.”

The meeting has the support of Craven District Council and other agencies, who have formed a local action team, and funding has been promised by Craven Community Safety Partnership.

Fiona added: “We are aware that there are some great ideas already suggested to Craven District Council, especially from young people, such as improvements to the skate park and new projects to add a bike pump track and climbing boulders to the park. The Friends want to bring together all the ideas and develop a plan that benefits the whole of the community.”

The Friends also plan to raise funds and are looking for new members to help them in their efforts.

They would also like to hear from volunteers or companies who might be interested in a more hands-on approach, such as organising community events, bulb/tree planting days or outdoor fitness sessions.

Meanwhile, the group is holding a logo competition, where children are being challenged to come up with a simple drawing that makes people think of Aireville Park and includes the name of the Friends, Anyone under 16 can enter and entries can be handed in on Tuesday, completed at the meeting (paper and crayons will be available) or posted to Fiona Protheroe, c/o Craven District Council Offices, Belle Vue Mills, Skipton.

The Friends have also set up an email address for people who would like to be involved but can’t make the meeting. It is friendsof airevillepark@proth.co.uk.

A quick survey about facilities and improvements can also be completed at surveymonkey. com/s/Friends_of_Aireville_Park