Arcadia Park, opposite the Balfour Hospital, Kirkwall, was officially opened on Saturday 24th September.

Residents who have watched and helped as the park developed gathered to witness the ribbon cutting. The park now contains a myriad of paths, some just grass tracks that disappear between trees.

The trees themselves have really come on this last year, filling out and providing shade and shelter for wildlife. There are also numerous little ponds and wetter areas to encourage a wide variety of wildlife. And it is working, the pond and the flowering plants were buzzing with pollinators and other insects.

This is a great space for all ages and mobility. The wide smooth paths are excellent for wheeled users and for wee ones wanting to explore more there are places to climb and explore.

As well as the imaginative planting and landscaping are the sculptures adding fun to this glorious of places.

Arcadia Park was a dream made real. So many thanks to Bob MacKenzie (OACAS) and the whole team A place where people can sit, walk or cycle and just feel that little bit better.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

To see how the park has developed through the work of volunteers, check these out :

• Arcadia Park : How It Has Grown
• Volunteers Transforming Arcadia Park
• A Community Effort – If Ever There Was One!
• Arcadia Park Daffodil Planting!
• Arcadia Park Progress
• The Arcadia Park Project – Launch Weekend 6th & 7th April

Fiona Grahame