Parents concerned about the impact of an "outdated" park have called for the site to be regenerated. Arno Vale Recreation Ground, Woodthorpe, has been popular with children for many years, but parents now believe it is time for some investment to go towards a "theme" that could make the area more appealing to younger people.
Local residents say the area, known locally as the helicopter park, is "underutilised by local children" due to it "offering little in the way of exciting activities". One grandmother stated the metal climbing frames, which are "not very nice on the eye", could pose a danger to children if they were to slip and fall.
Gedling Borough Council has previously announced works in the pipeline to improve several parks and open spaces across the borough. Parents have now had their say on some of the renovations they would like to see, with one person pointing to the "pirate-themed" Carrington Park as a potential idea.
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Tracey Papp, 58, lives around five minutes away from the park in Woodthorpe. She often visits the park with her grandson Harry. She said: "I was talking to a lady in the shop about it.
"We go more in the summer time if I'm just walking along with my grandson. But he's getting a little bit older now and I think some of the stuff is quite dated. There's a lot of metal on there so you've got to watch them all the time.
"The climbing frames are still all metal and all the paint is coming off. It's a shame really.
"We do use it but if it's not redone what we tend to do now, in the summer, is probably go up to the Gedling park because it's a much nicer park as the children are getting older. It's very outdated.
"A child has only got to slip and if they bang their chin on the metal, you know what happens with kids. And the paint is all coming off - it's not very nice on the eye.
"It just needs that updating and a little bit more of a theme. Some of the parks are quite themed; they've got a pirate park at Carrington and that sort of thing.
"Just to make it more interesting for the kids. The one in Carrington is a lovely park!
"They've got a big Viking ship and the kids can sit on it."
36-year-old Aimee Har lives locally and is a member of the Friends of Arno Vale Recreation Ground Facebook group. She said: "I became a member [of the Facebook group] because I live locally and have three children aged six, eight and nine which are prime ages for wanting to be able to use outdoor areas.
"The park has been the same since I was a child and I wanted to join the group to see if there were any improvements due and if I could help in any way.
"I would love to see a complete renovation of the recreation ground. It has great space around it which is unused and with it being in the middle of three large primary schools and two secondary schools that use it it’s in the perfect location for lots of use.
"Parks such as Gedling Country Park and Burton Joyce recreation ground have made such brilliant facilities aimed at both the older and younger children which I think is vital. Some good equipment for all ages, including the older children and teenagers such as an all weather football/basket hall area.
"With the green space around it, there could even be a nature trail or a bike/scooter track like at the park area at Riverside."
Gedling Borough Council has partnered with the FCC Communities Foundation, a charity that awards grants to community projects, numerous times to help deliver improvements to parks and open spaces.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “We have a programme of works in the pipeline to improve several parks and open spaces around the borough, subject to crucial funding from our partners such as FCC Communities who have helped us improve dozens of parks, investing hundreds of thousands into our local communities along with our own funding.
"This funding can only be applied for by local charities, Friends of groups and other non-profit organisations. We are currently working with the Friends of Arno Vale Recreation Ground to explore a potential submission for funding but we do not have a time frame for this as yet.
"We recently planted hundreds of new trees at the park as part of our work to create a more sustainable environment. We welcome the proactive approach from the local community and we looking forward to working with them to improve this park.”
Councillor David Ellis, councillor for Ernehale and portfolio holder for local pride and community engagement, added: "The helicopter park, as Arno Vale Road play area is known locally, has been popular among children in the area for many years. It is popular with children of all ages, especially on their way home from the many schools in the area.
"Arno Vale recreation ground has been assessed as medium priority. I know that there are parents in the area who are keen on setting up a Friends of the Helicopter Park to secure funding to refurbish the play area. To apply for grants they need to demonstrate that there is a need for refurbishment and support from the local community."
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