A host of community events will be held at Highfields Park as part of its restoration plans.
A series of free monthly ‘Restoration Rambles’ are taking place for anyone who wants to learn more about the Lenton park’s refurbishment project, and to see the designs and some of the changes as they unfold.
Feedback from park users is key to ensure that a legacy from the works can be passed down through the generations.
The walks are taking place on the following dates:
• Monday 27 July, 1pm
• Saturday 15 August, 1pm
• Friday 11 September, 1pm
• Tuesday 20 October 1,pm
• Sunday 22 November, 1pm
• Saturday 5 December, 1pm
Nottingham City Council is also collating photographs and stories to feed into the park’s social history project. People can share their memories by coming along to drop-in sessions at the park on:
• Saturday 18 July, 10am – 2pm
• Thursday 17 September, 9am – noon
• Thursday 19 November, 1pm – 4pm
The meeting point for both activities is outside the D H Lawrence Pavilion within the park. The history project team is also able to undertake visits from care homes and day centres upon request.
For the restoration rambles, booking ahead is useful. Call the box office on 0115 846 7777.
Nottingham City Council received the news earlier this year that its £3.2m bid to develop Highfields Park had been successful.
The money has been awarded through the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund’s Parks For People programme, and will be used to improve facilities and expand a series of visitor and community activities on the park. The council and other funding partners have also contributed an additional £1.3m.
The announcement to return the park to its former glory marks the culmination of a five-year development journey. The restoration work, which will be completed by the end of summer 2016, will include:
• Restoring buildings, park infrastructure, horticultural landscape and features;
• Creating a new adventure golf area;
• Improving putting greens;
• De-silting the lake and carrying out improvements to the waterside boating area;
• Creating new croquet lawns from the existing bowling greens.
Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “We have prioritised investment in our parks and open spaces as they provide a range of free or cheap things for families to do, which is critical in this tough economic climate.
“Since we have started to make improvements to our parks, people have realised what ‘hidden gems’ we have in the city. Our park ranger activities help others discover what’s on their doorstep, connect with nature and be part of our history.”
For more details call 0115 915 2733 or visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/whatson