Barnes Green to become Richmond’s first ‘dementia-friendly’ park
Barnes Green will undergo some new renovation to cater for residents with dementia after a consultation with Richmond Council.
The renovation will allow people suffering with dementia to make their way around the park easier as paths will be resurfaced, more benches will be installed and access to the pond will be improved.
Feedback conducted by Richmond Council found that people suffering from the illness said they enjoyed the sense of freedom, being outside and that the experience is a relaxing one.
Features such as distinctive entries and exits, ‘way marked’ routes, a meeting point and information sheets will also be developed from the feedback supplied, and are expected to be implemented by late spring next year.
The renovation comes as part of a wider project, Friendly Parks for All, which encourages people no matter what their condition to enjoy local parks and allow the outdoor life to help improve their help.
Richmond Council’s cabinet member for environment, business and community, Councillor Pamela Fleming, said: “By making out parks accessible to everyone we hope to offer opportunities that will improve the health and well-being of people with dementia so they can continue to enjoy our parks and open spaces.”
