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‘Overlooked’ park chosen for accessibility upgrade
A charity hopes that a Bristol park can become “a leading example of what inclusive park access can look like”.
Eastville Park has been selected to undergo accessibility improvements as part of a project aimed at making parks more welcoming and usable for Disabled people and unpaid carers.
The initiative is being led by Your Park Bristol & Bath which has a mission of reimagining green spaces in the two cities and removing the barriers that prevent some thousands of people from using them.
Its goal is to create an exemplar accessible park in Eastville by considering barriers that prevent people from using the park comfortably and safely, such as path conditions, seating, signage, toilets, entrances and the overall sense of welcome and safety.
The work is being funded by Bristol City Council.
Eastville Park is one of Bristol’s biggest parks
The decision follows a consultation process involving Disabled people and unpaid carers from across Bristol.
They took part in a decision-making event with Bristol Disability Equality Forum where they highlighted strengths and opportunities for different parks, from good transport links to existing facilities.
Sarah West, chair of the Friends of Eastville Park, said the group is “elated to hear that Eastville has been chosen to be an exemplar accessible park”.
“We see the potential in the spaces that Eastville offers for access to nature but this large city park is often overlooked for funding.
“We are keen to support the engagement process and help make the most of this opportunity for our community.”
The park’s sprawling serpentine lake offers green relief to parkgoers in a dense part of the city
Colin Mathews, chair of Your Park, Your Say and Your Park trustee, said: “Following consultation with Disabled people and unpaid carers from across Bristol, it’s exciting that Eastville Park has been selected as the park to receive investment to help transform it into an accessible and nature‑rich space that can be enjoyed by everyone – locals and those from across the city alike.
“Eastville Park is a space with so much potential and this is an opportunity to co-create a park that has enhanced accessibility, improved natural diversity, and facilities that can be enjoyed by everyone.
“This is a significant moment for Eastville Park and for the local community who will now help shape the vision.
“The park is large and the opportunity ahead is even larger.”
The grassroots charity recently helped to convert Hartcliffe Millennium Green into an exemplar park for Disabled people and their carers by making improvements including widening the entrance and smoothing out paths, creating sensory markers, raising planters, adding in more seating and providing a large shelter.
To find out more or get involved in the project, visit yourpark.org.uk/help-make-eastville-park-more-accessible-for-disabled-people-and-unpaid-carers
All photos: Betty Woolerton
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