A new community park is set to open in Melksham next month, transforming an unused field behind The Canberra Youth Centre on Spa Road into a green space for the whole community to enjoy.
The Canberra Community Park will feature accessible pathways, a community orchard, an edible hedge, a mini arboretum and a sensory garden.
The large field behind the youth centre remained unused for several years until chair of trustees at 4Youth (South West), Jon Hubbard, came up with a vision to transform the space into a vibrant, green community hub for all.
“Canberra Community Park is here for everyone,” says Jon, “a place where people can come together, enjoy nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There will be seating, beautiful green spaces and even free Wi-Fi to make it as welcoming and accessible as possible. I really hope the community will embrace this space and make full use of it for years to come.”
The project has been a collaboration between 4Youth (South West) and Spurgeons Children’s Charity, both of which use the Canberra Centre.
“Support from teams at Scottish and Southern Electricity, Milestone, Wiltshire Council and other local organisations has been instrumental in delivering the project,” said Jon. “We worked with Naomi Styles, a woodland officer from Wiltshire Council, to develop a plan to plant nearly 50 trees and landscape the field into a welcoming community space.
“Projects like this are vital in bringing communities together and creating spaces that people of all ages can enjoy. We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from so many individuals and organisations along the way; this has been a real team effort.”
The grand opening is due to be held on Saturday 1st March. Jon said, “It will mark the beginning of a new chapter for this part of Melksham, offering a green retreat for relaxation, play and community connection.
“Everyone is welcome to attend and see firsthand the transformation that has taken place.”
Pictured: Jon Hubbard, director of 4Youth with volunteers from Spurgeons, Milestone, SSE and Wiltshire Council
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