District Council unveils ambitious plans to enhance parks and green spaces

The plans, which will be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 20 January, consist of a number of phases over the next few years. The first phase, which could take place in 2026/2027, looks at £30,000 in investment for a number of Council-owned parks and green spaces, including those with the potential for prestigious Green Flag status.

Clay Lane in Newark and Thorpe Oaks/Stirling Drive in Coddington have been identified for investment and development as possible Green Flag parks for the future, whilst Cherry Holt, Fairfax Avenue and the wider Hawtonville Estate in Newark would also benefit from new sensory planting, community orchards and increased tree cover.  

The majority of the Council’s parks and open spaces are within Newark – including three of its five Green Flag parks, with the other two being in Ollerton and Clipstone

However, to ensure that spaces within Towns and Parishes across Newark and Sherwood also benefit, a £100,000 Parks and Open Spaces Legacy Fund is also proposed, which with match-funding from Towns and Parishes, could see a further £200,000 being invested in parks and open spaces across the District

The final phase of the plans, which could take place in 2027/2028 subject to decision and consultation with communities, would see more than £500,000 invested into significant play infrastructure

While the Council plans on consulting local residents first before any plans are approved, a new modern Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) could be installed on Cherry Holt Play Park, whilst two ‘pump-tracks’ for BMX’s and scooters could also be installed on Cedar Avenue in Newark and Turner Lane in Boughton.

If these plans are approved and delivered, the Council will have facilitated or delivered investment of more than £1.5 million on parks over the past few years. This includes £350,000 in 2023 across ten sites and a further £500,000 for the redevelopment of Sherwood Avenue Park, which recently regained its Green Flag status. 

These improvements have provided modern, accessible play and fitness equipment, creating inclusive spaces for families and children with no admission costs.

Councillor Simon Forde, Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment, said: “We know that our parks and green spaces are really important to our residents and this programme of works forms part of our response to delivering what matters most to our community.

“We want to make sure the whole of the district is included and not just parks and open spaces the District Council owns. Once the Open Spaces Legacy Fun is open, we will want to work collaboratively with Town and Parish Councils, and focus on parks that could benefit from some sprucing up.

“The plans also respond directly to resident feedback and survey data highlighting the growing importance of parks and open spaces, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing cost of living pressures. This district has a strong link to our environment and open spaces, and we want to do more to make sure that not only are they protected but improved for future generations to enjoy.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council currently maintains its five award-winning Green Flag parks and 30 play parks across the district.

For a full copy of the report being presented to the District Council’s Cabinet for consideration on 20 January, please visit: https://democracy.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/documents/s25100/20.01.26%20-%20Parks%20and%20Open%20Spaces%20Development%20Programme.pdf