News Release - 'Hands on' maps aid navigation around Hullard Park

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'Hands on' maps aid navigation around Hullard Park

10 October 2005

Hullard Park on Northumberland Road, Old Trafford is to have an important addition unveiled next Wednesday, 19 October; a series of etched, metal 'tactile' maps to make it easier for blind and visually impaired people visiting the park to discover its many facilities and find their way around. However all visitors can enjoy using these attractive maps to get a feel for their park.

The maps, the first to be used in a Park in Trafford, have been developed in consultation with users and created by Dr Ann Gardiner, a leading expert in tactile interpretation as part of the Old Trafford in Bloom campaign. To help people read the tactile maps, two helpful booklets, one in Braille, are available in nearby Shrewsbury Street Community Centre. The project was funded jointly by the Council, Manchester and District Housing and Trafford Housing Trust.

Locally based Henshaws Society for Blind People has given its approval to this new facility and has said it will publicise it among users of their services. Henshaws launched their High Five campaign on world sight day (13 October), which aims to raise £5million over the next 3 years to fund the ongoing development and expansion of their services across Greater Manchester Merseyside, North and West Yorkshire and the North East.

Executive Councillor Mrs. June Reilly said that with so much work having been carried out over recent months to improve the park, she was delighted to see these maps being introduced, as they demonstrate the Council's commitment to improving access to local open spaces, parks and countryside for everyone.

"While all the projects and improvements have made a huge difference to Hullard Park, to be able to introduce these metal maps which incorporate icons and Braille has got to be the most significant of all. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the outdoors and reap the health and relaxation benefits that go with the outdoors. These maps will make it a lot easier and more comfortable for visually impaired and blind people wanting to enjoy their local park," she said.

Improvement projects carried out at Hullard Park as part of the 'In Bloom' campaign include the creation of a beautiful wildflower meadow and interpretation board, the provision of bat and bird boxes made by local children being incorporated in the trees and an increase in events for everyone, including health walks.

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