There was a great turnout at the White Rose Centre, in response to the request for memories and images of Marine Lake, last week.
“People of all ages came to see us, armed with memories, stories, old postcards and photographs. We even had a gentleman bring in his hand-written memoirs, a graduate who had recorded the memories of his family as part of his dissertation and some council documents from the 70s describing ‘future’ plans for the Lake.” Said Vanessa Warrington, Countryside Officer.
Marine Lake Users Forum successfully received funding for a nature and heritage trail around Marine Lake. The two day consultation in the White Rose Centre introduced some ideas: information panels, a map, leaflet, sculptural seating and a family interactive trail.
“Residents of Rhyl really liked the ideas, especially as it is aimed at local people as well as visitors. We have built in some flexibility to ensure there is something new for families each year,” added Vanessa.
The project also commissioned artists from Creuad to work with local school children to find out what they love about the Lake and get some artistic contributions for the work on site.
Simon Townsend, Project Officer of the Marine Lake Users Forum, said: “The children’s work was brilliant. We had some on display in the White Rose Centre and people were really impressed with the quality of the pictures. Some of the children even brought their parents to see them.”
“We are planning to use some of the artwork in the panels and sculptures at Marine Lake.”
All of the 168 children who took part had visited Marine Lake and were excited to be part of the project. Some children chose to do pictures wishing the miniature railway a happy birthday when they heard it is 100 years old this year! Others were inspired by the wildlife and painted jellyfish, crabs, birds of all sorts, fish and butterflies.
Ian Olson, Coastal Facilities Officer for Denbighshire, said: “Getting people involved in this project is essential and we would like to thank everyone for their contributions. We would also like to thank the staff at the White Rose Centre for being so accommodating”
The work will be completed for the Rhyl Miniature Railway Centenary Gala Weekend 28th – 30th May.
Marine Lake is located in west Rhyl. The Marine Lake Users Forum (MLUF) in partnership with Denbighshire County Council has successfully secured funding to develop interpretation and orientation on this hundred year old leisure site.
Marine Lake Users Forum has obtained a grant towards the project from the Welsh Assembly Government North Wales Coast Strategic Regeneration Area Community Cohesion Fund. Denbighshire County Council’s funding for the project comes from The Community Capital Fund.
Further details contact Ian Olson 01824 70 8400
