Whale could be making comeback to town park
A WHALE could be making a comeback to Nuneaton’s biggest park.
Almost a decade after the treasured stone whale was demolished, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has unveiled plans for Riversley Park - and they include a new whale-themed feature.
The splash park water play area has been revealed in new concept plans for the park.
It would not be located where it was before, to the right of the tunnel, but instead would be based behind the current Louis play area, known as the ‘sand park.’
Details of what the splash park would include have not been released but the plans show the area itself will be whale shaped.
It’s a move that will hark back to the days of summers spent enjoying the whale paddling pool that are so cherished by a generation of people.
The council has concept plans to change both Riversley Park and the Miners Welfare Park in Bedworth.
They are set to be put out to public consultation in January and February next year.
What are the plans for Riversley Park?
A new whale themed splash park water play area.
A new wedding garden near to the Register Office.
New seating near the War Memorial.
A new fountain in the pool at the side of Sainsbury’s car park.
The bandstand mirrored with either trellis gazebo matching bandstand or public artwork.
A potential street art gallery; workshop area, where the former stone whale was located.
A new Edward Melly ‘drinking fountain’ themed fountain - as a nod to the man who bought the park for the borough.
Tunnel improvements. A place for public art. Changes to the Clinic Drive entrance to make it safer for pedestrian and cyclists with a new crossing or refuge.
Enhanced gold belt underpass.
George Eliot Gardens New performance area with informal terraced seating.
Enhanced gold belt underpass - improved lighting and paint bridge.
New raised paths. Make George Eliot Memorial into main focal point.
Improve and formalise river frontage with fencing and railings.
Direct connection into the shopping area with new buildings facing onto Bridge Street and into the park.
Ideally with a cafe on lower floor opening onto paved area
Miners Welfare ParkNew splash park by the cricket pavilion.
New downhill BMX track on bank and new BMX ‘pump’ track. New skateboard park.
New path linking sports facilities to Pavilion.
Opportunity for significant public artwork near the cricket ground New ball court/MUGA.
The plans for the parks form part of the huge ambitious plans to overhaul all sporting provision in the borough, including replacing Bedworth Leisure Centre, either extending or completely rebuilding the Pingles Leisure Centre and also a new sports hub at Top Farm in Weddington.