Colin Mckenzie helped to create a new accessible path at the 3-acre site on the banks of the River Clyde.
Colin has been recognised as our Path Skillz Volunteer of the Year at our annual Volunteer Awards at the Scottish Parliament on 10th September.
Calum Easton, Aspiring Communities Coordinator with Parklea Branching Out said:
Colin really benefited from the Path Skillz project which covered all the considerations to be made during each stage of design, right through to building an accessible path. Colin joined in enthusiastically and gained a lot of new practical and social skills which helped to boost his confidence.
Paths for All’s Path Skillz project is supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, and offers a five-day learning experience for young people, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills they need to successfully plan, manage and deliver a community path project.
Caroline Fyfe, SNH Strategic Paths and Funding Officer, said: "We know the many health benefits that getting outside can bring and having good quality, accessible paths is so important for encouraging people to be more active and connect with nature in their local communities.
"We’ve been very pleased to support the Path Skillz programme, which has gone from strength to strength over the last three years and provides great opportunities for disadvantaged young people to learn valuable skills and improve their communities. Congratulations to Colin and the other young volunteers from Parklea for their fantastic achievement.”
Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “Getting outside and going for a walk is so valuable for our own personal health and for the health of our planet, so it’s very important to take the time to thank the volunteers from Parklea, like Colin, whose selfless efforts are making a huge difference to the lives of others.
“It’s inspiring to think that, collectively, these volunteers who are invested in making walking a bigger part of daily life are helping to incite important behavioural change.”
Paths for All are looking for young people aged 16-25 years of age throughout Scotland who might want to get involved in future Path Skillz courses. All that is needed is a group of eight or more interested young people and an area where they can upgrade a path in their local community. To find out more please email tom.whalley@pathsforall.org.uk or call 0777 812 7628.
Find out more about our Path Skillz project on our website.