Parc Cefn Onn has successfully received funding to help improve its main footpath.
The Lisvane park is a popular visitor destination and the reconstruction of the main footpath will improve wheelchair and pushchair access in the park and allow easier access to the middle pond and picnic area in the northern part of the site.
The existing path is of varying quality and suffers from poor drainage in parts, resulting in puddles and muddy patches in wet weather.
All soil arising from the works will be retained and reused on site. Large stones from the work, particularly edging stone, will also be reused within the scheme and path edges will be put in place to stop leaves falling on the paths.
This is particularly important because of the presence of Sudden Oak Death (Phytophera ramorum) within the park, which is being contained through a five year programme of planned clearance, due for completion in 2014.
Cardiff Council and Parc Cefn Onn Friends Group jointly applied for funding for the footpath work, with around £135,000 received from the Landfill Community Fund.
Parc Cefn Onn is one of the six parks included in the Parks Partnership Programme. Other parks include Bute Park, Roath Park, Forest Farm, Splott Park and the group of Civic Centre parks. The programme aims to regenerate parks that have been identified as having major cultural and historic interest.
Cllr Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said: “This is great news for Parc Cefn Onn and I am pleased that the Landfill Community Fund is able to assist in the enhancement of the park. I’m delighted that the new improved footpath will allow visitors better access throughout the park where they can enjoy the woodland experience for many years to come.”
Temporary signs will be installed in the area detailing the works and why they are taking place. As part of the ongoing effort to contain the spread of Sudden Oak Death, visitors are reminded to keep dogs on leads while work is in progress and keep to designated pathways. This will help to prevent the disease from spreading. The Council appreciates the cooperation of all visitors during this time.
