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Parks and open spaces development plan

We have unveiled exciting new plans to further enhance parks and open spaces across the district, ensuring the much-loved community assets continue to thrive for years to come.

Town and Parish Parks Legacy Fund and Environmental Improvement Grant Scheme

The Newark and Sherwood Town and Parish Parks Legacy Fund Scheme supports town and parish councils/meetings to deliver new or improved play areas. It is aimed at sites not owned by the District Council and helps local partners invest in safe, accessible and high-quality play opportunities for their communities.  Grants of up to £10,000 are available but must be matched funded to an equivalent amount. Match funding should be at a minimum amount of 50% of the total project costs. 

Who can apply? 

Eligible applicants:  

  • Town Councils,  
  • Parish Councils 
  • Parish Meetings

Applications must be endorsed by the relevant District Ward Councillor(s). You can check the relevant ward member(s)  here 

Only one bid can be submitted by each organisation (This single bid can incorporate both Town and Parish Legacy Fund and the Environmental Improvement Grant). 

What the grants can fund? 

The Town and Parish Parks Legacy Fund can support:  

  • New play areas,  
  • Improvements to existing play areas,  
  • Accessibility enhancements,  
  • Projects that improve safety and usability for women and girls, 
  • Improvements in areas identified as having play provision shortfalls.  

Where possible, applicants should consider catering for a range of age groups. 

The Environmental Improvement Grant can support :

  • Habitat creation and improvements e.g. planting and habitat boxes 
  • Street scene improvements e.g. hanging baskets, benches, signage  

How to apply?

Download the application form here: Town and Parish Parks Legacy Fund Application Form [155kb]  Submit completed applications to Parks.Development@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk  

Environmental Services will confirm receipt and request any missing information.  

Application deadline 

Applications must be submitted by Friday 31st July 2026. A final decision on applications will be made in November 2026. 

Further documentation

 

 

Major park upgrades

Two parks in the district will receive significant improvements thanks to Newark and Sherwood District Councils Parks and Open Spaces Development Plan.

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

Before work starts in 2027/2028, the District Council is asking for residents to 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.

From Friday 13 March 2026, you can view the proposed park designs online and share your thoughts using the following links:

The deadline to provide feedback is Sunday 19 April 2026.

Further investment

The third 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.