Papdale East Park

There are a number of key priorities for the site and design approach; to deal with the significant surface water flooding issues, to daylight the existing culverted burn, to provide an active travel route to link the valley to the town centre, implement space for play opportunities and to support the community consultation which was continued from the work done in earlier design stages.

Play was the original driver for change in this park, with the wish to improve the local facilities and environment. The central core of the park design, of nearly element considered, is play. The aim is to go above and beyond the conventional standard kit and incorporate opportunities for natural and educational play, promoted by vibrant and exciting colours, textures and plenty of engaging space. This extends to the development of sensory play for full inclusivity. The formal play area will be implements as Phase 2 of the project.

The design proposal rationalises and simplifies the layout of the paths across the site. Having one key direct route through allows for visitors and locals to engage with this route, as an active travel route. Existing and secondary paths then link into the immediate surroundings and also the wider meadows to the north side of the park, these in turn needed to be laid out sensitively in relation to existing structures such as the Heritage woodland, whilst retaining connectivity to all elements. A new cycle route runs through the centre of the park, providing a needed connection from residential areas.  Daylight through the culverted burn across the site, was designed to run alongside the cycle route and contain stormwater flows on the banks.  In turn the burn creates spaces, sensory interest, niches for biodiversity and a natural boundary to the new play space.  The cycle path and burn shadow each other, an interplay lending interest and sense of place, whilst traversing along the active travel pathway.  Spaces were also created to retain the cut material on site, forming a mounded amphitheatre and the setting for future play area.

Planting proposals greatly improve the variety of habitat and ecological niches within the park, add shelter to the key active travel route and increase biodiversity and habitat range generally. Lower native scrub planting is implemented around the perimeter and other key areas, again to add shelter and habitat but also to frame views and aid water management. The heritage woodland which is located on site is dutifully respected and enhanced within its new surroundings.

Bringing the de-culverted burn right through the centre of the park moves the balance of water flow away from previously flooded properties and creates storm capacity with the banks. It also adds opportunities for education relating to the burn and reconnecting an ecological corridor for wildlife. 

The resulting landscape provides a legacy that is more bio-diverse, accessible, includes sustainable flood management and which is well loved by the community.