Welcome!
Hello and welcome to our Spring newsletter.
It is just lovely to see new growth on the trees and bumblebees emerging from overwintering. We were really encouraged to see snowdrops popping up in the park. Last March children and parents planted 1000 snowdrops “in the green” which we bought with the proceeds of a small raffle we did. So, thanks again everyone for your generosity and thanks to the families who planted the snowdrops – everyone will benefit from seeing these wee beauties spread and grow in years to come.
We’ve got lots to share with you but as always space is limited so there is more information for you to check out on our website and Facebook Page.
EASTER EXHIBITION OF PLANS
If you missed our four-day exhibition of plans during October last year then pop in to see us on Friday 12th April The Usual Place between 10-2 or Monday 6th May in the park. Come and have a peek at the plans, pick up a leaflet, become a ‘Friend of the Park’ and have a blether.
TALKING OF GENEROSITY
Over the past few weeks we have had people, sometimes randomly just hand us money or make a very kind donation to sponsor a tree or bench in memory of a loved one.
THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE
Two young Dads, JP and Paul are planning on doing the 3 Peaks Challenge in August to raise funds for the park and are busy collecting some amazing raffle prizes to raise extra funds. Look out for the donate button we will soon be adding to our Facebook page and Website. In the meantime, if you have a super-duper raffle prize to offer or if you want to help with fundraising then get in touch.
CONTRACTOR APPOINTED!
In our last newsletter, we mentioned that we were going through a Procurement and Tendering process and we are delighted to announce that we have appointed the contractor who will undertake the work in the park. Hawthorn Heights are a specialist play park installer with many years’ experience of delivering successful projects. Their enthusiasm and best value price led to them winning the bid for the work.
TIMESCALES
We had hoped that the work to the park would be completed by the summer holidays but despite our best efforts this won’t happen for a variety of reasons so keep checking our Facebook page and website for updates. We are as impatient as everyone else to see the park complete and to deliver on the promises we have made to children and young people so be assured we are working incredibly hard to make this happen.
TREE REMOVAL
You may be aware that the Council removed 10 lime trees during February and there was a mixed response to this. Our position is very clear and is worth repeating again. The trees are the responsibility of the Council and Include Us was not involved in the decision making or the removal of the trees. However, we look forward to helping children and young people replanting native trees and shrubs to improve biodiversity in the park and encourage a wider range of birds and wildlife into the space.
MAYDAY PICNIC IN THE PARK
At the request of local children and families from all over Dumfries and Galloway, we will be hosting another Mayday Picnic in the Park on Monday 6th May between 11-1. Bring a pal or two, some yummy food and as many children as you can catch!
Let’s hope for nice weather and we’ll look forward to seeing you there!
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
We’ve got some lovely ideas to draw you into the park over the summer but let us have your ideas about what activities you would like to take part in.
HAVE A VERY HAPPY EASTER FROM THE INCLUDE US TEAM!