Posted on 25th Sep
The final phase of the ambitious redevelopment project for Sherwood Avenue Play Park is officially under way.
After the Play Zone opened in August, featuring 10 pieces of new, accessible play equipment, work has commenced on the last stage of improvements.
Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Street Scene Team is preparing the area for the installation of an Active Zone and Nature area, with completion expected by early 2025.
The Active Zone will focus on fun and fitness and will be accessible to all ages and abilities.
It will feature a state-of-the-art skate park in the site’s old lido, developed with the help of local skate groups; a skate park rest area; 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 Nature Zone along a wheelchair-friendly path made from recycled materials such as brick, slate, wood and gravel.
This area has been designed with biodiversity and wildlife at the heart of the plans, with habitat areas such as log piles, insect houses, bat boxes and hedgehog hides all included. An extensive planting programme will also take place to benefit pollinators and foraging wildlife including the creation of a wildflower meadow and the planting of 40 new trees, 250m of hedgerow, 5,000 bulbs, and a fruit-bearing orchard.
Coun Emma Oldham, portfolio holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services, said: “We know how important outdoor spaces such as this are to our residents, and we are committed to investing in our green spaces and parks, such as Sherwood Avenue Play Park, to improve our district.
“I’m so excited to see the plans beginning to come to life, and with opportunities for imaginative play, exploring nature and getting active, I know this park will be a well-loved asset to our community.”
Newark Mayor Coun Diane Ledger added: “It is great to see the work developing especially with the skate park. Local skaters have been extremely supportive in developing the design for the skate park and I know they will be excited to see their vision finally come to fruition.
“The play zone has been very popular since opening. As a parent of young children it is nice to be involved in a project that brings a smile to a child’s face.”
