Park upgrade proposed in £70k project

Around £70,000 will be spent on developing and improving an open space area for young children and teenagers.

Southwell Town Council is proposing to install new equipment at Memorial Park, off Bishops Drive.

It is next to the toddler and young children’s park that was recently refurbished by Friends Of Southwell Parks.

It will be paid for through the Community Infrastructure Levy, given by developers as part of planning consents.

Kate Ashworth, chairman of the council’s parks and open spaces sub-committee, said the money was from the Regency Gardens development near Beckett’s Field.

The sub-committee met Minster School students to discuss how the site could be developed.

Many pupils said the basket swing currently there was very popular but was not in good condition. They asked the committee to consider installing more.

A pupil, Josh Stone, suggested fitness equipment.

“I also like the parks in Nottingham, which we could look at for inspiration,” he said.

“They have hit the nail on the head with the Highfields Park, near the University of Nottingham, because they have a good range of equipment.”

Pupils also suggested installing tables and seats under a small canopy or shelter.

Another said they would like an area to play frisbee or some basketball hoops.

They also asked for more bins to be installed around the Memorial Park.

The town has a skate park, which is regularly used by young people.

Pupil Isaac Osbon said: “Whenever I go to the skate park I see people using it.
“There is some graffiti. Sometimes it is nice but it is not always appropriate.”

The council agreed to look at holding a workshop where a graffiti artist could work with youngsters to spruce up the park.

Concerns were raised about a lack of lighting but councillors said it was a deterrent to stop groups gathering late at night.

Town councillor Mr Peter Harris said: "We didn't want people to go there when it was dark.

"We have elderly people next door. These residents like the park being used and support it but if there were youngsters there at around 10pm or 11pm, it could cause a problem."

Josh suggested the lighting could come on between 4pm and 6pm in the winter months.

Students were asked to visit their favourite parks over Easter and take photographs of what equipment they would like to see at the site.

The council hopes to start work on the project this year.