A town centre park described as 'distressing' could be in line for improvements, as councils invite residents to share their views.
Sherwood Avenue park, in Newark, is currently home to a skate and play area as well as a space for games, but the facilities are ageing and becoming expensive to maintain.
Newark Town Council owns the park, but it is maintained by Newark and Sherwood District Council. Both councils want to hear from residents about if they use it, why they might not and what could encourage them to start using it.
A series of listening events are being planned for people to express their views but an online survey has also been set up. It is hoped that the input will help the councils develop a plan to make the site more appealing, such as new play areas, street furniture or a new skate park.
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This could also include additional anti-social behaviour measures, such as new barriers and CCTV being installed at the park. The first listening event will take place at the park on Saturday, May 20, between 11am and 3pm.
The Extreme Wheels team will also be attending, and there will be pro BMX demonstrations and free riding sessions. Both the District and Town Councils will also be consulting with local schools, college students and residents who live close to the park for their views.
When asked his thoughts about the park, a 41-year-old dad from Newark said: "There's nothing for the younger ones." He explained that there is stuff for teenagers and older kids but not enough for the younger ones.
He said a wider range of facilities at the park would give "something for them to do." He continued: "What are they going to do in the school holidays?"
Gesturing to the site, he added: "They need to stop worrying about costs and saving up for Christmas parties and do something with it."
Teacher Elvira Kang, 54, of Newark, said: "When I had my little girls way back then, we thought that the climbing frames could be improved. Maybe a new basketball court could be good, and to make it more accessible."
She added that it would be great overall if the park could be made "a bit nicer and appealing as it looks a bit distressing." A 75-year-old resident in the area who did not wish to be named, explained they had concerns over anti-social behaviour at the park.
He said: "I've not got any family that use it, but it seems to be quite popular. There's not many parks in Newark, anything that could give it something more constructive would be good."
Regarding anti-social behaviour, he explained "that's going to be the biggest problem" and was not sure if more CCTV or barriers would be the right solution. Another resident added: "I can't say that the park is something that I've used as I don't take my grandchildren there but it would excellent to see it improved, we should never lose parks."
Speaking of the plans to hear from residents, Matthew Finch, Director of Communities and Environment at Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “I want to encourage anyone who wants to have their views heard to please take part online or at the open event. We want to work with our local communities to create a space we can be proud of.
“Our parks and open spaces are so important to our communities, whether they are a place to get out and play, to relax, or to keep fit and healthy, and we want to ensure any future improvements to Sherwood Avenue Park suit your needs.” Matthew Gleadell, Town Clerk for Newark Town Council, said: “‘Places that provide opportunities for play and recreation are vitally important in any community. Working in partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council we are very keen to make much needed improvements to this valuable community space.
“The site holds many fond memories for lots of Newark residents, especially from times when the site was previously home to a lido. We hope investment into the site will help to create many new fond memories for current and future generations to come.”
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