Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will introduce 300 new car parking spaces at Gosford Forest Park ahead of the busy summer season. The additional parking spaces will be available week commencing 21 June 2021, located opposite the existing car park in the main arena field.
This new parking facility, developed using an Eco Grass Protector system, will safeguard the grassed area from vehicles and heavy pedestrian traffic by protecting the grass and the grass sod below, stopping the area from getting damaged and preventing vehicles from sinking into the ground.
Made from recycled plastic this environmentally-friendly protection system is simply placed over the existing grass area in the park, retaining and protecting its natural environment. As grass grows up through the polyethylene grid it intertwines with the structure becoming invisible after five or six weeks of grass growth, allowing natural wildlife to continue to graze the area when not in use.
Lord Mayor for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr said:
“The success of Gosford Forest Park has been truly amazing. The park now attracts visitors from all over the province and indeed the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with a high volume of people enjoying all that it has to offer. Due to this success council has been examining ways of expanding the car parking capacity to meet demand, whilst balancing the natural conservation of the area. I am delighted that this environmentally-friendly and reusable eco grass protection system is now being implemented.
“Parking on the lay-by outside the park has been an issue, but the introduction of these new car parking spaces will substantially help to reduce this problem going forward. I would also encourage visitors to ensure that they ‘leave no trace’ to help maintain the magical appeal of Gosford, which is enjoyed by so many.”
Due to the popularity of the park visitors are encouraged to plan ahead by checking for updates on capacity and further information at Gosford Forest on Facebook before visiting.
