Get ready for Sherwood Avenue Play Park’s grand opening this Saturday

The opening event will be held between 11am and 3pm, and residents are welcome to pop along and enjoy a packed day of exciting entertainment and activities that everyone can get involved in.

Watch jaw-dropping demonstrations and even have a go at doing some BMX tricks yourself with Extreme Wheels and Canvas on the brand-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 some tennis or receive free coaching. Nottinghamshire Police will also be there with free bike marking.

Residents will also be able to enjoy the new Play Zone, which includes 10 new 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 commence at 11.30am. The park will be closed the morning of Saturday, 17 May, until 11am, to ensure the equipment for the opening event is set up safely.

The park is gated and therefore has limited capacity. We hope lots of people come along and enjoy the day with us, but please be mindful that you may need to queue if the park hits maximum numbers.

Councillor 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!”

Cllr. Dawn Campbell Leader of Newark 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 plans to reinvigorate the site were developed using the results of the consultation and feedback shared by residents, local community groups, and schools. The District and Town Councils have worked closely to ensure these ideas were captured in the plans.

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 brand-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 is the perfect town centre spot for children to enjoy the outdoors and 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.