Work continues on park’s ‘green lung’ extension
MORE BENCHES AND BINS, A CROSSING AND PATHWAYS PART OF PLANS TO FURTHER IMPROVE BEAUTY SPOT
IMPROVEMENTS to Gedling Country Park including new bins, park benches and pathways are under way as councillors outline their future plans.
The plan for a “Green Lung” extension to Gedling Country Park was announced at a full Gedling Borough Council meeting last year.
The plans include extending the park to nearby Digby Park in Mapperley, opening up huge areas of green space in the process.
The authority’s leader, Councillor
John Clarke, set out spending plans alongside deputy leader, Councillor Michael Payne, as the council’s budget was voted through during the meeting.
Councillor John Clarke thinks the improvements to the park are “exceptional”.
He said: “We are always looking for things to do and how to improve the place.
“We felt it was getting heavily used so we needed to extend it.
“A crossing will be built and pathways will be improved, to make the park safer and more accessible.
“Benches and bins are currently in the process and we’ve a superb children’s play area.
“Also a lot of trees to be planting – it’ll be a real asset.”
Councillor Clarke explained the reason for the developments in the first place.
“It’s about getting people out and giving them the chance to access the countryside.”
He said that “tens of thousands of people” went to the park during the lockdown. “People have found their legs again. They need to get out and get fresh air. It’s a beautiful area and is an absolute experience. All in all it’ll be a success.” He added: “We want to protect all of our parks. We’ve got to really step up or we will be swamped. “We’ve had such positive feedback about the country park already. “We’re not stopping there. We’re working on the opening of the cafe. “We’ve recently put a nice shelter up and we have superb toilet facilities. “We are always looking for things to do now – everything looks a lot tidier.” Agatha Bowling-hart, 21, a student who visits Gedling Country Park regularly, welcomed the improvements.
She said: “I think the park already has quite a good system in place. Bins and new benches are always welcomed as long as they are maintained.
“I think it will benefit dog walkers, and also if people use them (bins) it is good for the environment too.
“I like the recycling bins at the play area, but the rest of the park lacks in them – it is annoying to find that after I purchase a coffee at the cafe for my walk, that I have to carry it round with me to recycle the cup. “Overall I think the park is fine as it is but if they plan to improve, then recycling points would be ideal for when you are away out and about.”
People have found their legs again. They need to get out and get fresh air. It’s a beautiful area
Councillor John Clarke