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Nowhere is this better-illustrated than in the story of Valley Gardens. The ongoing refurbishment of its Japanese-style garden is something that, for Patrick, shows just how important the community is to the life of the parks. He tells us the story, beginning with the local friends of the park’s efforts to raise the required £100,000. “They applied for funding with our help, obtaining most of it from the Heritage Lottery Fund,” he says. “They’ve since got in professional agencies, come up with a full scheme, and recently moved contractors on-site.” “With regard to the garden itself, if you’d seen it a few months ago, you’d have had no idea that it was supposed to be Japanese. Since the re-landscaping, though, it’s become something that the town can be really proud of, with a whole new planting scheme – including things like Acers – as well as bridges and water features. “We modified the designs slightly to ensure it’s accessible to as many people as possible, but as far as we’re concerned it ticks all the boxes. It’s a real example of how proper engagement with – and lead from – the community can have fantastic results.” According to Patrick, one thing it’s impossible to do when it comes to parks is keep everyone happy. Some people desire tranquillity, while others want activities and noise. Some will crave modern wilder spaces, while others like traditional Victorian landscaping. What you can do, however, is engage with the community, while planning your strategy carefully and inventively. This is something that Harrogate Borough Council succeeds in doing, year after year.
HARROGATE’S PARKS ARE INTEGRAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE TOWN
1 The Royal Baths from Crescent Gardens ©Visit England/Visit Harrogate 2 Café in Valley Gardens ©Visit England/ Visit Harrogate 3 Blossom on the Stray, Harrogate 4 The Stray, Harrogate 5 Valley Gardens, Harrogate ©VisitEngland/Diana Jarvis 6 Tour de France tree sculpture, Montpellier Hill, Harrogate, ©VisitEngland/Diana Jarvis 7 Fountain, Valley Gardens, Harrogate 8 Flowers on the Stray ©Visit England/Visit Harrogate 9 The Sun Pavillion, Valley Gardens, Harrogate ©VisitEngland/Diana Jarvis
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Pro Landscaper / August 2017 47
19/07/2017 14:27