More footpaths are planned for Riverside Park to support users of the green space as lockdown eases.

 

As rules start to ease, advice to social distance still holds, and virtually everyone agrees that we should have a new 'system' of footpaths to make life easier, and safer, for park users.

It comes as more and more of us have been taking advantage of our wonderful local green spaces over the last year – so much so that Riverside Park is now effectively operating to capacity.

Now New Southampton Partnership Park Chiefs, backed by Community Leader Bosses, have revealed extra footpath 'lanes' that will allow more Bitterne Parkers to enjoy their park safely.

Majority agree on new paths. Click for bigger pic. Artist's impression: L. Weedy

Prompts

A system of what's described as "gentle prompts" will help walkers 'keep their distance', and keep moving – for everyone's sake.

The news comes as innovative 'hatched' areas will be added to stop people loitering to 'admire the view'.

And instead of installing expensive (and tricky to draw) 'viewing points', users will now be able to enjoy a new system of circular routes, 'loops' and even newer passing places that will allow popular things, including nature, to be looked at for longer.

Two chevrons apart

This news follows earlier news, previously revealed in important documents, that an unobtrusive PA system and discreet new signage will also periodically remind park service users to "keep moving".

Majority agree on new paths. Click for bigger pic. Artist's impression: L. Weedy

And this comes as chevrons on the paths could also one day perhaps be introduced, to make it easier to keep a safe two-metre distance between walking cohort bubbles – and, it's hoped, help stamp out problematic behaviour like stopping or slowing down.

Cobden Bridge Residents' Association was approached for comment.

 
Could hatched areas help avoid scenes like these?