Swan Park

Swan Park is fast becoming a concrete jungle by the looks of things.
If structural engineers are asked to solve a problem, they will use steel and concrete, it’s what they do.

There is a new wheelchair platform being constructed there below the footbridge in Swan Park and it is entirely constructed from re-enforced steel and poured concrete.
It should last a hundred years or more.

There are a number of problems with it:

1. The walls are solid concrete, people in wheelchairs will not be able to see through the wall.
2. It does not require a concrete wall to keep the wheelchair from going into the river.
3. Light will be prevented from lighting up the dark corners created by the concrete walls.
4. Dogs & people will use the dark hidden spaces as a toilet and that will be the end of the access for the wheelchairs.
5. Natural cleaning from the weather would have been facilitated if the walls were made from railings and the wheelchair users would be able to see through the railings.
6. Anti-social behaviour would be less likely if more natural light were available in and around that area.

Directly across from the wheelchair access area, they have built a mass concrete plinth that juts out into the river.
This is completely wrong, I am sure that the fishermen will not be fishing down there in their bedroom slippers, also the concrete is a chemical and will further pollute the river and negatively effect life in the river.

This work in Swan Park is a reflection of the environmental awareness of DCC at present.
They need help to change their ways before they do more damage to the environment.