Wollaton Park repairs ‘worth every penny’
MANY VISITORS SAY THE PARK KEPT THEM GOING DURING THE PANDEMIC
REGULARS at a “fantastic” Nottingham park have welcomed refurbishments after the number of visitors trebled in the pandemic.
Many said that Wollaton Park has been a “happy place” for them during lockdown and think it “deserves every penny”.
It comes as work has been under way to repair and improve the park after the significant increase in users.
Over the last year, improvements have included resurfacing works to many paths and car parks.
Many visitors have seen railings being replaced and new larger-capacity bins being installed with more improvements to be continued.
Software developer Viv Oliver, of Beeston, 69, was on one of his regular walks in Wollaton Park, and said: “I started to come here every day during lockdown.
“I noticed that it really calms me down and it gives me a refresh.”
Mr Oliver, also a former sprinter, added: “I used to be very active years ago and I replaced that with walking now.
“I need this so I think that Wollaton Park deserves every penny.
“This is an investment for the people who need it.
“It is probably the biggest and most beautiful park in Nottingham and we should all be proud of it.
“Anything that would make this place look better it is worth it.”
A couple from Dorset who were on a city break in Nottingham said they could not help but admire the “excellent condition” of the park.
Police worker Victoria Sharp, 30, added: “We came here and we were thinking that the park is so well kept.
“There are so many bins and benches.
“I think it is really good that the local authorities look after their parks and give them the importance they deserve.”
Stuart Eckersall, who works in the Navy, 30, said: “I think it is important to maintain a natural aspect, though. “I hope they do not spoil it, but rather maintain its beauty, because it does not look like it needs an awful amount of things done to it.
“I imagine how for the people here this place has been a saving grace during the pandemic.” Nurse teacher Angela Pamberton, 59, came from Mapperley just to enjoy the surroundings.
She was riding her bike with her eight year-old grandson and said: “I think it is important to look after this park. “It is an investment. It means so much for us.
“This fantastic park kept me going during the pandemic.
“It is important to invest money into our heritage and maintain it.
“I think that anything that would make it look better is completely worth it.” Steve Battlemuch, Wollaton West’s councillor, added: “The public are generally pleased when we keep the park looking its best. “Wollaton Park is important to many people so it’s important we maintain it despite the financial situation we find ourselves in.”
It is important to invest money into our heritage and maintain it
Angela Pamberton from Mapperley