More success in the pipeline for Clarence Park (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

More success in the pipeline for Clarence Park

10:48am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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A SENSORY garden in a St Albans park which proudly flies three flags of success has been listed as a runner up for a regional award.

Clarence Park has been awarded the Green Flag status three years in a row and is now in line for recognition for its sensory garden.

The area was created in 2008 with the aim of catering for the needs of a wide variety of people, including the young, disabled and those from diverse ethnic backgrounds. It has already been a huge success after coming runner up in the East of England Equality Awards 2008.

This year the park's garden, which is managed by St Albans District Council, has been listed as a runner up in the Diversity Achievement of the Year category in the MJ Achievement Awards 2009 – an initiative which aims to recognise and promote success within local government.

The community rallied together and got involved in the design of the garden including planting herbs, banana plants and other floral displays specially selected for their scent and feel.

Councillor Sheila Burton, portfolio holder for sport and healthy living at the district council said: “This was a real community effort. The garden was planted in raised beds that are easily accessible to wheelchairs.

“Local children helped choose plants that are easily identified by either the shape of their leaf or their smell to help visually impaired visitors. Local ethnic groups helped design a quiet area for young mum.”