Longrun Meadows - Grand Opening

Monday, 06 September 2010 12:17

The sun shone this Bank Holiday Saturday as Taunton’s newest public green space, Longrun Meadows, was opened to the public for the first time.  The grand opening, hosted by Project Taunton, took the form of a Family Activity Afternoon and Picnic and attendance was brisk with over 300 people crossing the bridge from French Weir Park to enjoy all that this new area has to offer.

The festivities were officially launched by Taunton Deane Mayor, Cllr Jefferson Horsley. Having arrived at the site via Future Perfect, Taunton's community boat (crewed by  Somerset Waterways Development Trust volunteers), the Mayor was stopped in his tracks by “The Tone Troll” who was lurking under the new structure: just the beginning of a fun-packed, energetic and creative afternoon!

Cllr John Williams, Leader of Council, reminded the gathering that this event was the culmination of several years of development work from Taunton Deane Council and Project Taunton who saw the potential of his ‘mad’ idea of acquiring the land. As well as its obvious value as a recreation space for the people of Taunton, Longrun also provides quick and safe off-road cross-town access for cyclists and walkers and is an important element of the town’s flood defenses.

The meadow’s landscape architect Steve Swan took an active part an proceedings; he was to be found overseeing rowing and trying his hand at wood turning, while Jim Blackburn of the Timber Frame Company offered an introduction to the building techniques behind the site’s soon-to-be-completed open sided oak barn. Concept plans and models were also provided for the ‘Green Cathedral’; a growing willow structure set to become the first of its kind in the Country.

Many people and organisations lent their time and expertise to make the opening of Longrun such a success. There were numerous opportunities for young people to get active - with Tone Schools Sports Partnership, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership, Wimbleball Lake Rowing Club and Quantock Orienteers all laying on tasters for a range of activities from skateboarding to canoeing.

Music and artistic input came from Albion Horns, with Tim Hill orchestrating the river procession, Somerset Emerging Artists Network (SEAN), who decorated the new bridge with hand-painted ‘wishes’, and FUSE who provided circus skills sessions. Somerset College was also actively involved, as were Taunton Transition Town and the Friends of French Weir Park.

Ian Franklin of Project Taunton, summed up the day: “Longrun Meadows is a fabulous new green space for Taunton. It provides excellent walking and cycling access across the town and opens up yet more of our riverside – altogether a great example of partners working together to create an accessible and sustainable Taunton. I’d like to thank all the volunteers and community groups who have worked so hard to showcase everything Longrun Meadows can provide.”

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