The garden of friendship in the people's park

Nov 27 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

TWO Japanese garden designers have arrived on Tyneside to plan an Oriental feature for a Victorian park.

A friendship garden is to be created in the restored Saltwell Park in Gateshead to celebrate the links between the town and Komatsu City in Japan.

Traditional Japanese features such as a gravel pond and a waterfall, where water is simulated by gravel, a stone lantern and plants are being designed.

The offer of a friendship garden for Saltwell Park was made by Komatsu’s Mayor Nishimura on his most recent visit to Tyneside in June, when he became the first foreign national to become a Freeman of Gateshead.

Komatsu already has a similar garden presented by Gateshead to mark the 10th anniversary of the link between the two towns.

Designers Hiro Kitamura and Susumu Kitayama will consider construction methods and planting as well as meeting the Friends of Saltwell Park group. Construction is to start in the spring.

A formal opening is expected to be one of the activities to mark the 20th anniversary of Gateshead and Komatsu City’s twinning in 2011.

Gateshead Council cabinet member for safer stronger communities, David Napier, said: “I can’t think of a better way to mark our friendship than with a garden in the spectacular park, popularly known as the ‘Peoples Park’, where everyone in Gateshead can enjoy it.”

Saltwell Park won a Britain’s Best Park award in 2005, a Civic Trust Park of the Year Award 2006, Green Flag Award 2006-2008 and the Green Heritage Award in 2008.