Longrun Meadows Grand Opening

Tuesday, 27 July 2010 08:44

To mark the grand opening of Taunton’s newest green space at Longrun Meadows, Project Taunton and Taunton Deane Borough Council are planning a fun-filled activity afternoon on Saturday 28 August. Everyone is invited to come along, free of charge, to experience all that this new area has to offer and to sample a range of exciting activities.

Proceeding will start at 11.45am and Mayor of Taunton Deane Jefferson Horsley will cut the ribbon across the new bridge from French Weir to Longrun Meadows and declare the event open at 12 noon. A procession including musicians, performers and the town crier will then lead people across the bridge.

Families are invited to bring a picnic and come and learn more about the Meadows, to meet artists and musicians and to try a range of activities from canoeing and orienteering to music and drama. Billed as an activity afternoon, the emphasis is on participation: getting out and about, trying something new, learning about local natural habitats and celebrating Taunton’s new green space.

With lots already in place, the Meadows, designed by Steve Swan of Swan Paul Partnership, are still a ‘work in progress’. Currently in the design and construction phase are two structures of national importance that will become Taunton’s newest landmarks – the “green cathedral” and the “green oak framed barn”.

Ian Franklin of Project Taunton, said: “These green structures will be a great centrepiece to Longrun Meadows. The area is a fabulous new space, next to the river, close to the town and to be enjoyed by everyone - and it is an important part of Project Taunton’s and the Council’s plans for an accessible and sustainable Taunton. It’s fantastic to see so many volunteers and community groups involved in the event on 28 August which is promising to be a fun day out for all the family. It will provide a taster for everything Longrun Meadows has to offer in the future and will really put Longrun Meadows on the map – so pack your picnic and come along!”

Cllr John Williams, Leader of the Borough Council, said: “I am delighted personally and for our community that this long held aspiration has now become a reality. Taunton Deane enjoys some wonderful parks but it is an incredible opportunity to be able to develop a new 65 acre countryside park that is within easy walking distance of the town centre. What a wonderful facility for our community today and for future generations. Not only does it open up the countryside and river for public access but there are excellent links for pedestrians and cyclists from the town centre, avoiding the very busy roads, to Castle School and Somerset College We can all be justly proud of what has been achieved and I applaud the team effort that has so successfully delivered this wonderful addition to Taunton’s leisure facilities”

Details for the day

• Where to go? The new bridge into Longrun Meadows is near the weir at French Weir Park.
• How to get there? Longrun Meadows is not an urban park, it is a truly rural space to be accessed on foot or bicycle.
• When are things happening? Proceeding will start at 11.45am with the ribbon cutting scheduled for 12 noon and activities will continue until 4.30pm on Saturday 28 August.
• What to bring? A picnic plus waterproofs or sun cream (hopefully the latter!).

More information can be found at www.projecttaunton.co.uk or by calling the Project Taunton team on 01823 250 809.

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