Brighter future for Riverside Gardens

16th April 2018

Riverside Gardens, part of the former International Garden Festival site in South Liverpool, is to get a major boost as a public park, thanks to improvements announced today by its owners, the Land Trust charity.

From April 2018, Autism Together, the Merseyside-based charity which provides a range of community services and support to people on the autism spectrum and their families, will take over the management of the park in a similar arrangement to its current role as managing agent of the Port Sunlight River Park on the Wirral.

Situated close to the River Mersey, Riverside Gardens features public grassland, pathways and woodland, served by a small car park – a site measuring just under two hectares. Under the new contract, Autism Together will be on site two days a week, working with people on the autism spectrum and the local community, cutting grass and managing the woodland.

The aim will be to establish a ‘Friends’ group which will get involved in providing volunteering opportunities and horticulture activities, encouraging people to make the most of the green space on their doorstep.

Sarah Palgrave-Neath, estates manager with the Land Trust, said:

“Autism Together have done a fantastic job in managing the Port Sunlight River Park. They are great guardians of public green places and are wonderful at encouraging community members young and old to volunteer.

“It is well-known that people feel happier and healthier when they’re outside, enjoying the countryside. Creating more opportunities for people to enjoy the big outdoors chimes perfectly with the Government’s recent 25-year environment plan. The new arrangement is a win win for everyone.”

Robin Bush, CEO of Autism Together added:

“The addition of Riverside Gardens to other locations we help to manage, is another great opportunity to work with local people on a worthwhile project – and, at the same time, show what fantastic contributions people with autism can make.”

For more information about how to get involved with activities and volunteering at Riverside Gardens, please contact Anne Litherland by email at anne.litherland@autismtogether.co.uk


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