Funding to create a new Young People’s Sculpture Trail in Victoria Park has been granted to Ashford Borough Council by Tesco as part of the Tesco Bags of Help Grant Scheme.
In a bid to engage young people and families in the natural heritage of Victoria Park, officers from the council proposed creating an exciting new sculpture trail in the heart of the borough. The outdoor trail will take people on a journey of discovery, telling stories of the park’s past, and encouraging learning and engagement in green spaces management.
The sculptures will be created by local young people with the help of artists and craftsman, through school workshops, youth groups and open drop in sessions. Youngsters will learn woodland craft skills and create a sculpture trail across the park and Watercress Fields.
The Young Person’s Sculpture Trail is guaranteed to receive an £8,000 grant but has the potential to be awarded up to £12,000 if it wins the public vote. Ashford residents now have the chance to vote for the sculpture trail at local Tesco stores including Mace Lane, Ashford High Street, Ashford Park Farm and Smallhythe Road in Tenterden. Pop into one of these stores between Saturday 27th February 2016 and Sunday 6th March 2016 to cast your vote.
The project with the highest public vote will receive £12,000, the second placed project £10,000 and the third placed project £8,000.
If the council was awarded the £12,000 grant, the scheme could extend the reach of young people targeted, develop more sculptures for the trail, and possibly include some lighting for dusk trails.
Ashford Borough Council 24 February 2016
The scheme is part of a wider programme of work the Council is planning to improve the park, increase engagement and encourage use by the local communities. The Council has created a steering group of local organisations including schools, the Ashford Borough Museum, Ashford Volunteer Centre and South Ashford Community Forum to develop some aspects of the proposals.
The Tesco Community Scheme supports community green space projects, using the proceeds generated from the sales of single use carrier bags. They received almost 5,000 applications this year. Grants can only be awarded to up to 1,200 projects, making the competition for funding very fierce.The grants programme is open to organisations such as community organisations, registered charities, health bodies, local authorities, housing organisations and many more.
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