Major improvement work starts at Basingstoke park
Nearly half a million pounds is being spent to improve leisure equipment
Major improvement work to facilities at Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park have started.
Work includes revamped play and leisure equipment including new parkour and skate parks and an upgraded pump track.
The children’s play area will be replaced, in the same location as present, but with separate spaces for toddlers and juniors to enjoy new equipment, such as climbing equipment, swings and roundabouts.
A new, concrete skate park will be built for skateboarders to replace the well-used one. In addition, the park will have outdoor gym equipment and a brand new parkour park. The existing BMX track will be replaced with a pump track for use by bike and scooter riders and skateboarders. New seating and bins will also be provided at the enhanced facilities.
The borough council’s £495,000 improvement scheme at War Memorial Park is being funded from its capital budget and includes a £45,000 grant from British Cycling towards the pump track.
A public consultation last year sought the views of local residents and park users on what facilities they would like to use for recreation and exercise at the town centre park. Some of the requests have been incorporated into the final work.
The work is set to start first on the skate park, followed by the pump track and parkour park. The play area will be replaced at the same time and all work is set to be finished later in the spring.
Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Environment Cllr Mark Ruffell said:
“We have worked with the local community and users of War Memorial Park to help shape our plans and I am very pleased to see this project progress and work begin on site.
“We are very lucky to have wonderful play, exercise and leisure facilities in the borough and this investment by the council demonstrates our desire to continue to provide and enhance our parks and green spaces for all to enjoy."
To find out more visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/skate-parkour-bmx and https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/war-memorial-park-play-area