NEW play equipment, games areas, pathways and landscaping have been proposed as part of plans to give a facelift to two public parks.
Masterplans for revamps to Whinfield Recreation Ground and Rokeby Open Space have gone public for residents to have their say before work starts.
The plan for Whinfield Rec includes an expanded play area with new equipment, play surfacing and a new sand pit, while the park’s multi-use games area (MUGA) has been earmarked for resurfacing, together with the installation of new wall panels.
The council has also secured funding from Fields in Trust to combat frequent flooding on the park’s pathways.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) is also seeking external funding to create and improve paths through Whinfield Wood, linking it with the recreation ground and Whinfield Cemetery.
The masterplan for Rokeby Open Space, off Southbrook Road, proposes moving the play area from the east of the site to the west, and replacing the existing one with a ‘no mow’ meadow for wildlife conservation.
The council says the new play area would have a host of play equipment and open space for ball games, and has also proposed a new MUGA and an outdoor gym.
The Rokeby revamp also includes new pathways and landscaping, including new trees and hedgerows.
RBC environment and public realm spokesman Coun Howard Roberts said: “The masterplans for both Rokeby and Whinfield have benefited from the input of residents during a consultation in the summer, so now we want feedback on the proposed refurbishments before pushing ahead with the plans.
“By working together, we aim to tailor Rugby’s parks and open spaces to the needs of our communities while creating sustainable environments for wildlife to thrive.”
The public consultations on both masterplans run until 5pm on Thursday March 26. Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/consultation to take part.
The council hopes to start work on both refurbishment projects before the end of the year.
