Work starts on revamp of California Country Park
WORK to improve one of the borough’s country parks has started.
California Country Park, in Finchampstead, will undergo improvement works to its car park, cafe area and access road, making it easier for vehicles to enter and exit the site.
The project, which will see an improved car park layout, a new canopy to provide an all-weather outdoor seating area, and a new two-way road to give better vehicle access, is due to be completed in Easter 2018, and will be the first stage of wider improvements at California Country Park.
Some trees and vegetation have started to be removed as part of the works, and a number of reptiles and glow worms will need to be relocated under the watchful eye of a team of ecologists. The team will also ensure that there are no nesting birds in the trees or shrubs throughout the works.
Once completed, however, the park will see an increase in the number of trees on the site
Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) has assured visitors that disruption to the day-to-day running on the park will be kept to a minimum, and advance notice will be given as early as possible.
The council will consult with the public about their views for the second phase of improvements which could include climbing and play facilities, more seating and information boards although no decisions have been made as yet.
Cllr Norman Jorgensen, executive member for environment, sports, environmental health, leisure and libraries, said: “California Country Park is a wonderful green space used by residents across the borough and it has been a long held ambition to make it even better.
“Upgrading the infrastructure first will provide immediate benefits for our increasing number of visitors and put the foundations in place for future improvements in years to come.
“My thanks to everyone for their understanding and cooperation as this first exciting phase of works begins.”
For more information on the works visit www.wokingham. gov.uk/countryside-parks-andconservation/country-parks