For months now, students from Richmond upon Thames College have been working hard to bring the borough’s second dementia friendly park to life.

Finally, the wait is over.

Aleksandra Piechocinska’s winning armchair design was selected as part of the ‘Friendly Parks For All’ project in an effort for everyone, including people with dementia, to enjoy local parks.

Melanie Cressey from the Richmond Dementia Action Alliance was pleased students grasped the idea of the project.

“All the students comprehend the concept of ‘dementia friendly’ so well,” she said.

“Greater understanding and awareness towards others very much contributes to a better community for people living with dementia and their carers to live in and be part of.”

The sculpture - which symbolises ‘peace and home’ - will now be developed, along with other small projects including way-markers, a sensory trail and interpretation boards for the Heathfield Recreation Ground.

Principal and Chief Executive of Richmond upon Thames College Robin Ghurbhurun was glad to see students were able to contribute to “such an important project.”

“We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact the new sculpture will have on our local community and all future visitors to the park," he said.

Mayor of Richmond, councillor David Linnette is looking forward to seeing the impact the park has in the community.

“We know that people with dementia do enjoy a sense of freedom and being outside,” he said.

“We need to make sure that this is not a stressful experience.

“The designs submitted by the students were fantastic and show how incredibly talented they are.”

The project was launched today (Thursday, May 11) with a tree planting to commemorate the planting of Coronation Avenue 80 years ago.