WORK is progressing well on the refurbishment of Marshall Gardens to create an area of peace and reflection in the town centre opposite Warrington Cenotaph – and there are still opportunities to get involved in the project.
The original 1950’s shrub and tree plantings – which were tired and past their best condition – have now been cleared from the garden, excluding one specimen Acer tree and will be replaced by 18 new trees.
The clearance works have opened up views through the parkland to create a welcoming new green space for the whole community to enjoy.
The community-led Marshall Gardens refurbishment project to create a place of peace and reflection is being co-ordinated by Warrington Borough Council, in partnership with Lisa Billing, the mother of Private Daniel Wade, from Latchford, who was killed fighting in Afghanistan in 2012.
In the coming weeks, the council will begin laying new tarmac throughout the site, ahead of a range of other improvements, including the installation of the creation of a ‘Heroes Pathway’, 12 new park benches, landscaping works and the planting of a variety of colourful, scented flowers, flowering bulbs, wildflowers, a mural and new sculpture and sensory items, including braille signs.
The gardens, which were once a picturesque focal point in the town centre have long been in need of refurbishment, and the council is working closely with the community to bring this green, town centre asset back into use, supporting the ongoing regeneration of the heart of Warrington.
The Heroes Pathway project was launched in 2016, with the first stones laid in Mowbray Park in Sunderland to honour all personnel who have served their country in any way. The Sunderland project has been a huge success, with close to 1,000 stones now laid in the pathway as of March 2021.
There are a number of ways for local people, businesses and organisations to be part of the work to transform the site, which sits opposite the cenotaph on Bridge Foot, into a beautiful memorial garden:
• Purchase a granite stone to take its place on the Heroes Pathway. Running through the gardens as an integral part of the project, the pathway is giving everyone the opportunity to create a lasting tribute to their own hero – whether its someone who has served or is still serving in the Armed Forces or a public services worker – including Emergency services, NHS and health staff who have worked bravely in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Nominate a local hero who you think deserves to plant one of the 18 new trees – whether it’s a school class, a community leader or a public service hero.
• Sponsor one of the new benches or flower beds in the gardens
For more information about the Heroes Pathway project and to purchase a stone, please visit nationalveteranswalk.co.uk. All profits from the sale of stones will be donated to St Rocco’s Hospice and The Warrington Wolves Foundation.
If you would like to nominate someone to plant a tree, or would like to sponsor a bench or flower bed in the new gardens, you can do so by visiting the Friends of Marshall Gardens Facebook page, or by emailing [email protected]
You can also get a range of background information on the project by visiting the ‘Marshall Gardens Heroes Walk’ on Facebook, or by following @MarshallGarden1 on Twitter.
The Marshall Gardens refurbishment project is expected to be completed in March 2022.
Lisa Billing and her son Daniel Wade
