Posted on 16th Aug
Newark and Sherwood District Council’s near-£350,000 investment into play park improvements has begun as work starts on Bridge Community Centre Park, Newark.
The improvements are being made as part of the council’s commitment to modernise, develop, and extend several of the district’s play park areas and equipment during 2023.
The plans to replace aging equipment for new, imaginative pieces of play equipment and add inclusive play equipment for all ability users where possible to do so were approved earlier this year.
The funding at Bridge Community Centre Park is going towards refurbishing the current equipment, and the removal and replacement of various aging equipment. The new equipment will include swing sets and a wheelchair carousel.
Ten parks will undergo improvements over the next two months, including Mead Way Play Park in Balderton, Lincoln Road Recreation Ground Play Area in Newark, Thorpe Oaks Play Area in Coddington, Old Tannery Drive in Lowdham, Grove Street Play Area in Newark, Cleveland Square in Newark, Turner Lane in Boughton, and Sconce and Devon Park.
Developments for the Green Flag Award winning Sconce and Devon Park include a new castle-themed play area park to tie in with the town’s Civil War history.
Additional plans for Sconce and Devon Park include the development of a new outdoor fitness area, which will be free for all visitors to use.
Coun Emma Oldham, portfolio holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services at the council, said: “We know how important outdoor spaces are to residents, and that play parks in our district are vital spaces for children and their parents and carers to get out in the open and have fun.
“These plans are not just an investment into our parks and green spaces, but an investment into the health and wellbeing of our community.
“I can’t wait to see all ten sites completed and benefiting the community as social hubs, busy with play, exercise and enjoyment.”
The developments will also support the council’s ambition to be greener, with materials for the projects being sourced from recycled goods.
