New park at Sound with feature bridge opened to the public

The area of ground next to the new Sound roundabout, to be known as the “Peerie Oversund Park”, has officially been opened by Lerwick South councillor Jim Henry.

The name was chosen by representatives from the Sandveien and Nederdale Tenants Residents Association, Sound Community Association and Lerwick Community Council from over 70 suggestions from pupils at nearby Sound Primary School.

The park has been planted with meadows and a mixture of native and exotic species chosen for their ability to thrive in the Shetland climate and provide colour and interest throughout the year. The centrepiece of the park is an attractive arched bridge.

The stones to construct the raised beds were taken from the planticrubs in Sandveien in consultation with the local tenants association.

Mr Henry, the SIC environment spokesman, who opened the park on Tuesday, said: “A piece of poor quality ground has now been transformed into a real community asset providing a unique open space in Shetland for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

The project is the culmination of two years’ work involving a number of partners including the council’s environmental, roads, planning and housing services as well as the Shetland Amenity Trust who were involved in the design and construction of the park.

Local community groups and Sound Primary School were consulted during the design and development of the site. Ongoing maintenance of the park will be carried out by SIC environmental service.