Posted on 8th Sep
A group of teenagers spent a week revitalising Newark’s Sconce and Devon Park in preparation for an annual award assessment.
The group were part of the National Citizen Service’s One Million Hours of Doing Good, a nationwide pledge for teenagers to take an active role in helping the country recover post Covid-19.
Supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council park ranger George Hemstock, the team weeded, mowed, pruned, dug and worked on maintaining footpaths in preparation for the annual Green Flag award judging.
George said: “They were an enthusiastic group and not afraid to get stuck in. They have worked well as a team.
“NCS are the first volunteer group we’ve had since lockdown and it’s great to have people back volunteering in our parks again.”
NCS delivery coordinator for Ingeus, James Guest, said: “NCS’s Doing Good programme has been a great way of engaging with young people in these challenging times. This team in Newark have been so passionate about their project and supporting their local area.”
The group also planned a sponsored fun run in the park to encourage people to exercise outdoors and connect with each other safely, with donations going to Newark and Tuxford Food Bank.
NCS is a youth programme that runs every summer and autumn, during school holidays, for 16 to 17 year-olds. It gives teens the opportunity to mix with a new crowd, take on new challenges and build friendships, while giving them a taste of independence and equipping them with essential skills for life.
Coun Roger Jackson, chairman of leisure and environment at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We take great pride in our parks and this has been a great project that’s given these teens the opportunity to get involved in the local community. We are delighted that they enjoyed their time with us and they should be very proud of the difference they’ve made.”
