Wide-ranging improvements get started at Meriden Park

Watford Borough Council has kicked off work at Meriden Park after a series of consultations inspired the latest plans.

Following feedback from residents earlier this year, initial works include an improved and extended footpath around the whole park.

Cllr Tim Williams, Cllr Jenny Pattinson, Cllr Amanda, and Watford mayor Peter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

The spoil from the footpath will then be used to lay the foundations for mounds which will be planted with grass and fully landscaped once they settle, expected to start in sprint 2023.

The council will also set up barriers to deter illegal encampment on the site while “protecting the character of the park and the enjoyment for local residents”.

A height restriction barrier will be installed at the entrance to the Meriden Community centre and a knee-high railing will be added to the boundary of Meriden Way and Garsmouth Way.

Dropped curbs will also be installed along Garsmouth Way to increase accessibility.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “I promised in my manifesto that I would invest in improvements to Meriden Park, so I am delighted that we have started this work.

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“This is part of our ongoing commitment to keep improving parks and green spaces in Watford for all residents to enjoy.

“It will also provide plenty of opportunities to get active, have fun and make the most of the great parks we have here in Watford.”

More trees will also be planted in the park this spring. The council highlighted that this will add to Watford’s overall tree canopy which is 18.2%, already higher than the national average of 16%.

A new wildflower meadow and more benches for seating and picnics will also be added to make the park more beautiful, support biodiversity, and improve the soil, climate, and environment.

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Cllr Tim Williams, who is responsible for parks and sustainability, said: “The local councillors in Meriden worked really hard to make this a reality, and have held a number of local public consultation sessions.

“We are committed to make sure we have fantastic parks and green spaces, and that work will continue with investment like this.

“It’s also great to see the biodiversity improvements taking place, which will no doubt help with people’s mental and physical wellbeing, as well as wildlife.”

There will be an opportunity for the community to assist with bulb and tree planting, with much of the planting expected before the summer.

Cllr Tim Williams, Cllr Jenny Pattinson, Cllr Amanda, and Watford mayor Peter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Anyone wanting to get involved in bulb planting can contact parkconsultation@watford.gov.uk .

Locals and park visitors will also be invited to become a part of the programme by establishing a Friends of Meriden Park volunteer group.

There are seventeen parks in the town that have been awarded Green Flag status, an award given to the best parks in the country.

Meriden Park is not among them but the borough council mentioned the continued improvements as it celebrated the town receiving the most 2022 Green Flag awards in Hertfordshire.