Hurrah for The Helix!

Monday, 11 November 2013

If you are a regular reader you will know that I like to take M&D out on visits to gardens and outdoor attractions. This weekend we visited The Helix which is very close to where we live. The Helix is more than just a park. A large area around Falkirk and Grangemouth in Central Scotland has been transformed and there are many more exciting plans going forward. Here’s why you should plan a visit here…

The Kelpies

As you enter The Helix from the car park you can head towards the Park or take a path leading North and towards The Kelpies. We headed North. The boardwalks have been cleverly designed to lead you through The Helix. There are no horrible railings so you need to be careful not to fall in but it does make it look a lot prettier and you do feel like you are walking (or being wheeled!) through the reeds. The boardwalk twists and turns and makes you want to explore what’s around the corner:

The boardwalk through the reeds

The reeds were already there so two very skilled men built the entire boardwalk by hand, to minimise disturbance and protect the environment.

The Kelpies are a big draw. They were designed by Andy Scott who also designed the Heavy Horse on the M8. They are the largest equine sculpture in the world at an impressive 30 metres above the canal and can be easily seen from the M9 motorways which passes directly by them.

Back in the Park, this curving wall has been made from gabion baskets filled with large stones and bricks. I think it looks brilliant!:

The gabion basket wall

In the heart of the Park you will find the Great Lawn. Here there will be lots of wonderful events taking place that you come along and enjoy. The pond (or Lagoon) is a wonderful feature of the park and there will be lots of fun water sports taking place here in the future. For now it’s a lovely area to walk around. Beside here is the splash zone and in warmer weather you can run around in the jets of water. There is also a cafe in a cool building.

The lagoon will be a space for water sports

The Helix is already a wonderful place to visit but there is loads more to come in 2014 including a Kelpies visitor centre, adventure playground, lagoon activities, events and lots more. Already it is a wonderful place to go for a walk, ride your bike, go rollerblading with your dog (yes we saw that here!) or just relax with an ice-cream and speak to the ducks.

Great thought has been put into every aspect of The Helix. The Great Lawn has been edged in metal grid over large stones. Even the lights are well thought through and are impressive features in themselves.

Great thought is put into all aspects of the design

We really love The Helix and The Kelpies already and can’t wait to watch as the area develops, expands and matures over the coming years as well as taking part in the local events. It’s a wonderful example of different bodies working together to create something special for the community and I hope more local authorities take inspiration from The Helix.

For more information visit The Helix.

Lulu