Posted on 15th May
A free family fun opening event is taking place this Saturday, 17th May, to celebrate the redevelopment of Sherwood Avenue Play Park in Newark.
The opening event will be held between 11am and 3pm, and residents are welcome to go along and enjoy a packed day of exciting entertainment and activities that everyone can get involved in.
There will be demonstrations and BMX tricks with Extreme Wheels and Canvas on the new, state-of-the-art skatepark.
There will be live music from The Hot Dog Brass Band and children’s outdoor activities from Active4Today and the Children’s Bereavement Centre. Newark Tennis Club will have volunteers available on the day for those who would like to play tennis or receive free coaching. Nottinghamshire Police will also be there with free bike marking.
Residents will also be able to enjoy a new Play Zone, which includes 10 pieces of accessible equipment. Food concessions and an ice-cream van will also be available on the day for refreshments.
Official opening speeches and the ribbon cutting will start at 11.30am. The park will be closed on the morning of Saturday until 11am.
Coun Jean Hall, chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I am really looking forward to officially opening Sherwood Avenue Play Park this Saturday. It’s been brilliant to see so many of our residents and their families enjoy the new and improved park already, and I look forward to seeing some of you there.
“Our local communities are incredibly important to me, and I know what an important asset this park is to local residents. It was crucial to us, both at the district council and Newark Town Council, that the redevelopment of the park not only included features that residents needed and felt would enhance the park – for example, a new, friendly welcome area, lots of places to sit around the park for parents, and a brand-new state-of-the-art skatepark – but also to make sure we future-proofed it for generations of Newark residents and visitors to enjoy.
“There are going to be lots of exciting and fun activities for everyone to get involved in on Saturday, so please do pop along and join in – we’re looking forward to seeing you.”
Coun Dawn Campbell, leader of the town council, said: “It will be great to have a day to recognise the efforts of all that have worked together to bring the project to fruition but also simply have a day for people to come along and enjoy the new and upgraded facilities on the site alongside the additional entertainment taking place on the day.”
The £550,000 redevelopment of Sherwood Avenue Play Park has been funded by Newark and Sherwood District Council, Newark Town Council, as well as through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with £250,000 being contributed towards the project.
The new park includes a range of features, including a new Welcome Area where visitors will be greeted at the park via new and improved entrances and an outdoor vendor area for local traders. Fun and fitness for all ages and abilities is at the heart of the new Active Zone, which features a new state-of-the-art skatepark developed with local skate groups, a multi-use sports pitch, a free ride area for biking and skating, and a fitness trail with a selection of outdoor exercise equipment.
A Silver Birch avenue will lead park visitors into the new Nature Zone along a wheelchair-friendly path made from recycled materials such as brick, slate, wood, and gravel. Visitors will be able to enjoy nature, peacefully tucked away on a bench or with friends on the recycled tree log seating areas.
The Play Zone has been designed with creative play and fun in mind, including a brand-new zip line and a splash area with a water rill and water-play equipment.
