Radipole Park Development Update
The Radipole Park & Gardens project is progressing well and has come a long way since starting out nearly eight years ago. In conjunction with the Friends of Radipole Park & Gardens, we have spent many hours working on the various elements to allow the project to eventually happen and overcome many issues that have been thrown up along the way.
Due to a couple of delays with the kiosk build the project construction period is due to be the end of February, the base of the kiosk (on stilts!) is now in, the building structure will soon start appearing in the New Year. All of the sports courts have been newly surfaced this month which includes the MUGA, basketball and tennis court, and are accessible (minus the court lines which will be added after the Christmas break). If you go into the park over the Christmas period you will be able to access these areas now and will notice the opening up of the park and the reinstatement of the rear path along the railway. Things like this have made a real difference to the feel and flow of the park spaces and invites you to explore and enjoy all the areas once again.
Most of the play equipment is now installed and looking great. It is hoped the type of structures will provide a different type of play for young residents and visitors with a real sense of adventure. The pétanque court is in and a group of keen residents are already planning to form a pétanque club next year to make full use of this new facility; watch this space on how to get involved if you are interested in finding out more and having a go. All the interpretation materials are now finalised and in production. This will include new park signs with orientation maps and history panels, a heritage timeline and hidden history information on the park’s life displayed on panels on the kiosk and a nature trail for younger visitors to engage with the flora and fauna of the park.
The sensory garden being delivered by the Friends Group is well under way and once built they will be looking for local residents to get involved as volunteers to help look after it. This will involve plenty of social get-togethers with tea and cake!
We are working on a programme of events that will kick off in spring next year to encourage people into the park as the weather improves and make the most of the new facilities available. Keep an eye out on our social media posts for more information.
