FAMILIES enjoyed a spring stroll around a Darlington park to launch an initiative to encourage more residents to enjoy the greenery on their doorstep.

The Easter-themed walk around North Park was attended by 30 children and was organised by Groundwork who are running a campaign to encourage more people to use their local park.

The walk was the first of many that will take place at different parks across the borough throughout the year.

A superhero-themed walk is the next in the programme and will be running at South Park on May 26.

This will be followed by walks with wildlife and nature themes, among others, and some walks that will incorporate litter picks.

Natalie Whitworth of Groundwork said the launch event had been a success and explained the ethos behind the project.

“The aim is to get people out and about, walking in the park where they live in Darlington,” she said.

“The aim is to do two walks in every ward in Darlington and there will be different themes such as the superhero walk and wild food walks.”

Groundwork are currently delivering an £80,000 ‘Rethinking Parks’ project which aims to get residents and the business community more involved in using and supporting their local park into the future.

Anybody who would like to get involved can contact 01325-353791 or email lisa.locke@groundwork.org.uk