11:50am Tuesday 17th August 2010
By Elizabeth Pears
CELEBRATIONS will be held next week to mark the end of a community project to transform a Wood Green park.
Newly-designed Russell Park, awarded a Green Flag last month, will be officially launched on Thursday, August 26, with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The green space, formerly Noel Park, has been revitalised through hard work of Friends of Russell Park, Haringey Council and Groundwork UK who together raised £124,000.
Groundwork UK said the improvements meant Russell Park, in Westbury Avenue, was "now ready to provide a sanctuary from the pressures of a 21st century lifestyle."
Extensive consultation was carried out with residents who played a vital part in shaping the design by expressing their vision for their park which includes a dog-free picnic area space for families, a natural play area for children, and an improved entrance created by a local artist.
Russell Park's grounds underwent a total re-landscaping last summer and dense and overgrown shrubs were trimmed down to eliminate fear of hidden dangers in the park's bushes.
Residents complained that this often deterred them from using the park.
Uneven pathways have been repaired and resurfaced to improve access for those less agile.
The celebrations include a day of festivities for families and friends with a BBQ provided by Noel's Kitchen, a salsa band and dancers, sports and a bouncy castle.
Grants were secured from Groundwork UK and the Big Lottery Fund's community spaces programme, St Modwen Environmental Trust and Well London.
St Modwen Environmental Trust, which owns Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, supports communities by offering grants to groups seeking to improve their local environment.
It was also involved in another Haringey environment project in Paignton Park.
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