Share your thoughts on major park improvements in the district

Plans could see a new modern Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) installed at Cherry Holt Play Park in Hawtonville, while a ‘pump-track’ for BMXs and scooters could also be installed on Turner Lane in Boughton. 

Before work starts in 2027/2028, the District Council is asking for residents to provide feedback on designs. Artist impressions showing what aspects of the parks could look like are available. You can share your views in person or online.  

You can view the proposed park designs online and share your thoughts using the following link: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/parksandopenspacessurvey 

The deadline to provide feedback is Sunday 19 April 2026.  

You can also see the designs up close and speak to parks staff at a number of drop-ins across the district taking part on:  

• Saturday 14 March, 11am until 2pm at Turner Lane Play Park in Boughton. 
• Saturday 28 March, 11am until 2pm at Cherry Holt Play Park in Hawtonville. 

Councillor Simon Forde, Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment, said: “We know that our parks and green spaces are really important to our residents and this programme of works forms part of our focus on delivering what matters most to our community. 

“The plans respond to previous resident feedback and survey data highlighting the growing importance of parks and open spaces. We know during the pandemic how important we all found our neighbourhood parks to be, so we want to improve them for families and youngsters not just now but for future generations.”

The development of a new pump track at Ceder Avenue Play Park has also been put forward as part of the plans, but requires consent from the Gilstrap and William Edward Knight Charities Trust, public consultation and funding.  

This work forms one of three initiatives outlined in the District Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Development Plan.  

The second initiative which will take place in 2026/2027, looks to invest an additional £30,000 in a number of other District Council-owned parks and green spaces. 

Clay Lane in Newark and Thorpe Oaks/Stirling Drive in Coddington have been identified for investment and development as possible Green Flag parks for the future, whilst Cherry Holt, Fairfax Avenue and the wider Hawtonville Estate in Newark would also benefit from new sensory planting, community orchards and increased tree cover.   

The third initiative will ensure that open spaces owned by Towns and Parishes across Newark and Sherwood also benefit with a £100,000 Parks and Open Spaces Legacy Fund which will soon launch.  With match-funding from Towns and Parishes, this could see a further £200,000 being invested in parks and open spaces across the district. 

Once these plans are delivered, more than £1.5 million will have been invested in parks since 2023 by the District Council, which includes £350,000 in 2023 across ten sites and a further £500,000 for the redevelopment of Sherwood Avenue Park, which recently regained its Green Flag status.