Parks proving popular
30-JUL-10
Issued by: Graeme Cook
Wallsend Parks is set for a multi-million pound facelift - but a new study has shown it is already attracting thousands of people.
Latest council figures have revealed Richardson Dees Park attracts over 2,000 visitors everyday, which have been tallied by a new electronic counter at the entrance of the green space.
This follows the news of the Wallsend Parks regeneration project - worth over £7million - receiving a £2.45million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), in addition to the £2.85million set-aside by North Tyneside Council.
Carl McClean, manager of Wallsend Parks, said: "I'm delighted that so many people are making use of Richardson Dees Park.
"It's pleasing to know thousands of residents are going out every day and enjoying the beautiful green spaces that the borough has to offer.
"We carried out a manual head count back in March, and the electronic counter backs up our original figures.
"Currently we are looking at how many people attend Wallsend's other parks - Prince Road Arboretum and the Civic Hall grounds - but it is estimated over 1,000 people visit them everyday.
"Hopefully when the regeneration plans for Wallsend Parks are complete, current visitors will have an even better experience, as well as attracting new visitors to see what we have to offer."
Funding for the Wallsend Parks scheme, which forms a key part of the council's regeneration of Wallsend town centre, will be used to:
- Extend the Park Lodge to provide office space for council park staff, Northumbria Police and Probation service
- Extend the current bowls pavilion to provide new public toilets, a cafe and a community workshop for educational activities.
- Restore historic features, including the bandstand, lake, Duffy Memorial Fountain, vinery wall and upper promenade at the Civic Hall
- Improve sport and play facilities
- Increase planting throughout all three sites
- Increase management and maintenance.
The plans for Wallsend Parks were drawn up after extensive consultation with the local community, schools, park users and other interested groups.
Timelines for the proposed works, which are due to get underway before Spring next year, will be kept up-to-date on the park's notice board and council website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk.
ENDS