Adventure awaits: Sherwood Avenue Play Park officially opens

Residents were treated to incredible adrenaline-fuelled demonstrations from Extreme Wheels, who provide a large range of extreme, urban activities and pro BMX demo shows, as they showed off their own awesome skills with best trick demonstrations and a limbo competition on the brand-new, state-of-the-art skatepark.

The Hot Dog Brass Band were also there with live music for everyone to enjoy. Children were also able to take part in activities from Active4Today and the Children’s Bereavement Centre. Newark Tennis Club also had volunteers on the day for those who wanted to play some tennis and receive some free coaching.

Nottinghamshire Police were there with free bike marking, ensuring that any cyclists were able to keep their bikes safe and secure.

Radio Newark also attended to add some music to the celebrations.

In addition, residents were able to enjoy all the new and exciting facilities that are now available at the park including the new Play Zone which features 10 new pieces of accessible equipment.

Councillor Jean Hall, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Councillor Barbara Corrigan from Newark Town Council opened the event with official speeches.

Councillor Barbara Corrigan, Mayor of Newark Town Council, said: “As my first engagement as the newly elected Mayor of Newark it was a real honour for me to join Councillor Jean Hall in formally opening the new facilities at Sherwood Avenue. It was fantastic to see so many come to the site to attend the event and enjoy the day. The new facilities are fantastic and are already a fabulous asset for the community. It has been wonderful to see the site so well used since it re-opened.”

Councillor Hall said: “Saturday’s opening event at Sherwood Avenue Play Park was brilliant! It marked a significant milestone for our community as we celebrated the culmination of months of hard work, dedication and collaboration!

“The redevelopment of Sherwood Avenue Play Park has been a truly community-driven project and has been delivered through a fantastic partnership between the town and district councils. We have listened to your feedback and ideas, and I am proud to say that the new park reflects the needs and desires of the residents we all serve. From the state-of-the-art skatepark, developed with the help of local skate groups, to the multi-use sports pitch and fitness trail, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this project, including our local community groups, schools, and residents. Your input has been invaluable in shaping the vision for this park.”

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. 

The park now also features a new waterless toilet making it convenient for park users to stay longer to enjoy all the park has to offer!