Locals want picnic tables, extra seating and new litter bins to be placed in the Figgate Park on the south side of the city.
The results of the recent survey have now been collated and the council will produce a new management plan to offer an overarching direction for the important green space. The Environmental wardens will be roped into a new campaign to combat dog fouling in the park.
In addition there will be plans for new planting across the park and for the removal of litter at the Duddingston end of the area.
The council has already fitted mesh to the boardwalk to improve the walking surface and has repaired holes along the viewing platform. Plans are being submitted to request upgrading of the play area and events have been held there by the Friends of Figgate Park to highlight the amenity of the area.One of the most popular events this year was that held by Portobello Library when librarian Paul entertained about 70 children with his stories.
Councillor Maureen Child said: “I love Figgate Burn Park too, for all the reasons people give in their feedback. It shows what a really active Friends Group with lots of active volunteers can achieve in Partnership with Council staff.”
Councillor Alex Lunn is certainly someone who enjoys the park. He said: “The best thing about Figgy Park is that it’s a great place to walk and it brings you close to nature.
“This picture was taken by me just last month while enjoying a walk in the park with my mate one evening.”
A survey of Figgate Park users was undertaken in April 2014 in order to collect key information that would contribute to the new Figgate Park management plan.
The majority of those who responded to the survey had visited the park along with their families and most use it to have a walk or watch the wildlife although a third of the respondents used it to walk their dogs. And afterwards? Most of them just go home – but say they feel very much more relaxed when they do.
But though the park is well enough used and some people say that the improvements to the boardwalk have made a huge improvement, there is also a strong view that it could be even better. The park has retained its green flag status over the last five years, but locals think this is no reason to be complacent about the future.
The park, situated off Duddingston Road and behind Northfield Drive, was acquired by the Council in 1933 from the Abercorn Estate. One of the key features of the park is the Figgate Burn and pond. The burn is crossed by several bridges, providing pleasant recreational walking routes.
Just the other day this photo was taken of the swans who use the park swimming in the rain:
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