Children taking part in the 'My Space … Grosvenor Park’
Project
Impressions of Grosvenor Park captured by a group of budding
photographers, are taking centre stage at an exhibition in Chester
Library.
‘My Space … Grosvenor Park’ highlights children’s likes and
dislikes of the park, which were captured during a photography
workshop, organised by Chester City Council as part of its funding
bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme.
Sixteen children, aged 8 to 12, were accompanied by professional
photographer, David Heke, for the SEEN initiative, which seeks to
involve local young people in regeneration projects. The group of
enthusiastic youngsters received expert advice and handy tips on
how to make the best use of their cameras before heading into
Grosvenor Park to take photographs of things they liked and
disliked, whilst shouting out their thoughts as they went
along!
The council is working hard to secure funding which could grant
between £250,000 and £5 million to rejuvenate the park and its
surroundings. Involving people from the local community is a major
focus of the project and the views of different age groups and
backgrounds will be used to plan the areas long-term future.
Councillor Eric Plenderleath, Executive Member for Culture and
Community said: “I am pleased that Cheshire County Council’s
Library Service is supporting us to involve the public in pursuing
our aspirations for Grosvenor Park. The children had great fun at
this workshop and their photographs are very impressive. They
indicate a knowledgeable insight into the many features that they
found attractive, but also their concern about graffiti and litter.
These are our concerns as well and we shall be rectifying them as
soon as possible. Their contributions, along with other projects
with local schools, will play an important role in helping us to
understand the priorities of young people.”
The children’s photographs represent the highlights of Grosvenor
Park including wildlife, colourful flowers and the miniature
railway as well as areas which are being spoiled by litter and
graffiti. The exhibition also includes photographs taken by local
resident, Tony Sweeney, whose wife booked him onto the workshop as
a Father’s Day present without realising that it was for children!
Although Tony didn’t quite fit the age range, he showed a real
interest and still enjoyed taking part in all of the
activities!
‘My Space… Grosvenor Park’ is on display until 21st September
alongside Chester Library’s summer Big Wild Read exhibition, which
is encouraging children to make a difference to the environment
they live in.
View the children's photos in the Gallery
10 August 2007
Contact: Kathryn McGiveron, Communications Officer on 01244 402169
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