There's so much renovation going on in Saltaire - not just the playground at my end of the village, but Roberts Park too. (See my blog of December 21). It will be lovely when it's finished but at the moment it all feels a bit unsettling! The winter snows have left everywhere looking a bit the worse for wear. Add to that the mounds of soil, metal barriers and quantities of orange plastic tape and nowhere looks very beautiful right now! I think, in a few weeks time, when the leaves are starting to appear on the trees and the gardeners have done some planting, the park will begin to look more attractive again. This new, painted seat gives an idea of the way things are being improved. It's a replica, I suppose, of the original Victorian park benches. It will be a nice place to sit and watch the world go by. The refurbished Half-Moon Café is due to reopen in two weeks time - so you will soon be able to buy a cup of tea too.
With the trees still bare, you can see how Salts Mill stands above the park and how the park is joined to the village by the green metal footbridge. (At one time, Victoria Road came down right into the park but the road-bridge was demolished as unsafe in the 1950s).
Sounds like you are getting excited about Summer and the potential in Saltaire.
ReplyDeleteI've only walked over this bridge once; there was snow and we had to divert to find a way into the park from Higher Coach Road - the ususal entrance was all fenced off. Even so, it looks like it would usually be an attractive place to spend a little free time.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it odd how the progress of design of park benches seems to have stopped about 100 years ago. Benches like the one in your excellent photo look fine when they are old and genuine and lived-in, but they look odd when they are fresh out of the repro warehouse.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the renovations will make the park more attractive. You probably can't wait for it to be finished.
ReplyDeleteYes that does look like a great spot for sitting and relaxing!
ReplyDeleteHo, what a lovely bench!!Do you know I collect them on my "second" blog?..(benchesonmyway.blogspot.com/)
ReplyDeleteI visited your blog, and I really enjoyed visiting and strolling through the beautyful streets and places of your city!
Benches are such a lovely way to make a place more welcoming. We have them scattered about our farm and are always finding another spot that needs one!
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