Ten new and improved play parks are open across the district

The investment into the ten parks has gone towards new, imaginative pieces of play equipment, including inclusive play equipment, refurbishing the current equipment, and the removal and replacement of various aging equipment.

The ten parks that have been improved are Mead Way Play Park in Balderton, Lincoln Road Recreation Ground Play Area in Newark, Thorpe Oaks Play Area in Coddington, Hillcote Drive in Clipstone, Old Tannery Drive in Lowdham, Grove Street Play Area in Newark, Cleveland Square in Newark, Turner Lane in Boughton, Vicar Water County Park and Sconce and Devon Park.

The Green Flag Award-winning Sconce and Devon Park now features two improved areas including a castle-themed play area, built with fun and imaginative play in mind and as a nod to Newark’s Civil War history. The brand-new Fitness Zone is quickly becoming a popular feature at the park, which was already a well-loved destination for fitness and well-being activities such as walking, park runs, and personal training classes. The zone is available for all park visitors to use for free and is a fantastic space for those who want to exercise using equipment whilst still getting to enjoy the outdoors.

Councillor Emma Oldham, Portfolio Holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services at Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “I am thrilled to see all ten sites open to enjoy once again and I hope fellow parents and families are too!

“A lot of time and thought has gone into making sure these sites have been improved to best benefit the community, with your feedback at the heart of the plans, as we know the importance of having well-maintained parks and green spaces on your doorstep. I hope these parks can be havens for children to run around in the fresh air and let imaginations run wild, and for their parents and carers to get out of the house for a couple of hours without it costing too much.”

"I'd like to thank all the councillors and and officers who have been paramount in bringing this vision to life, which will undoubtedly enhance the well-being of our communities."

Work to develop, modernise and improve the play parks began in August following the District Council’s approval of the plans earlier in the year. Various equipment has been installed at the ten parks including new swing sets, wheelchair carousels, shell swing seats and more!

These exciting new developments support the District Council’s ambition to create a greener district, with materials such as recycled plastics found in the sea used in the improvements. This sustainable sourcing of materials was successfully implemented for the development of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Garden, in which a number of features were built using recycled materials including new bin stores and bug hotels made from fly-tipped wood that had been cleared from illegally dumped waste around the district. Similar features have been proposed in the plans for the development of Sherwood Avenue Park.

Results from the latest resident survey showed residents placing more importance on local parks and green spaces during recent times, and these investments will further the work the District Council have committed to within its Community Plan, including enhancing the district’s natural environment to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents.

Watch a video from Councillor Emma Oldham, Portfolio Holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services discussing the investment here: https://youtu.be/32ITF73F3_E?si=vl3jyxMHqGtXeFsR