The Kells Heritage Park Project aims to develop walking and recreation at the Commons of Lloyd. The lands comprising the Commons of Lloyd are managed by Meath County Council and extend to more than 144ha (357 acres) in total. The Spire of Lloyd at the centre of the area is an important historical monument and a significant focal point in the landscape of the town and its surroundings. The area has
long been recognised as being of high amenity and recreational value for local people and visitors to Kells. A playground, car park and associated landscaping improvements were opened in July 1992 to the west of the Spire, and the area became known as the People’s Park. A number of walks were then developed in 2009 by the Kells Trail Development Group, which included a walk along the Blackwater River, following an ecological assessment (Augney, 2008). In December 2013, a Masterplan was prepared on behalf of Kells Heritage Park following a successful application to Meath Partnership for funding through the RDP LEADER Programme. The Park improves the quality of life for the people of Kells and the surrounding area, and also attracts tourism, thus bringing economic benefits. We envisage that the development of the area could include guided walks, workshops on Drystone Wall building and hedge laying, Band Recitals, Designated Dog Walk, and Astronomy, as well as being an educational resource in ecology and heritage for schools.
