Garden City Greenway Nears Completion
The Garden City Greenway - a major investment in Letchworth's countryside by the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation - is approaching its official opening date. This sizeable undertaking was conceived in 1996 as the most appropriate means of celebrating one hundred years of Letchworth Garden City; the Greenway opens up the countryside to people of all ages, allowing them to enjoy the open air - the very essence of the Garden City concept.
At the heart of the Greenway is a 12.7-mile (20.4km) route, which encircles Letchworth Garden City and can be accessed at many points along its course. Along the way there are several things to do and places to visit including Radwell Meadows Country Park, a major public recreation space which will feature picnic tables, barbeques and a play area; and also Manor Wood Arboretum, Willian, which houses over 35 different varieties of tree.
Although some elements of the Greenway are already complete and open to the public, the official opening will take place between 3 and 5 May 2003. Public celebrations begin at 2pm on Saturday 3 May with festivities and displays taking place at Radwell Meadows. On Sunday 4 May the pace is slowed down at Radwell Meadows, with planned walks, exploring and picnicking for all the family being the order of the day. On Monday the entertainment switches to Standalone Farm, with folk music, fairground rides and a craft fair amongst the entertainment. Come along, join in the fun and celebrate Letchworth Garden City's very special year.
Prior to the official opening, 2003 will see the installation of bollards, finger posts and information boards, along with additional seating around the entire route and final planting of feature trees and copses. The Garden City Greenway is the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation's single most substantial investment for the Centenary, with over £1m ploughed into improving access to and the quality of Letchworth's countryside.
To find out more about the Garden City Greenway visit www.greenway.org.uk