Half Term Parks Fun

Redditch’s parks and open spaces promise fun for all the family this half term – and what’s more they are free!

From woodland walks and a skate park at Morton Stanley Park to pond-side picnics in Overdale there’s lots to see and do across the Borough which won’t break the bank.

For a cost-effective day out, how about a round of disc golf before a hot drink and a snack at the Boathouse at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre which is also the perfect gateway to Forge Mill and Bordesley Abbey run by our friends at Rubicon Leisure.

Redditch Borough Council’s Leader Matt Dormer said: “We have an abundance of parks and open spaces and are continually working to improve them, creating legacies for generations to come.”

A recent play audit has set out a work programme which will see a number of play areas upgraded or removed and relocated due to ageing equipment and safety reasons, ensuring that residents have no more than a 15-minute walk to them.

Cllr Dormer added: “As the Borough changes and grows, we need to respond to these needs and demands.

“To do this requires change but we are not taking away, rather building on and improving what we have already got in response to our communities’ needs.”

Future park plans and progress include:

• A tender is out for a company to help us increase the play facilities at The Pleck Play Area in Crabbs Cross to the tune of £100k of capital funds, due in May.
• Work is set to start on Monday – weather permitting – for the next few weeks as a pump track is to be put between the BMX track and skate park at AVCP using £80k of external funding.
• There are plans to create a trail of wood carvings using an old Oak tree trunk at Morton Stanley Park.
• As well as new parking and access improvements at AVCP, subject to funds, a children’s bike track could be installed later this year creating a safe space for beginners.
• The Council is investing £43k to replace cable runways adjacent to the skate park at Morton Stanley Park by the Summer season.
• Improvements also are set to be made to Pitcheroak Golf Course car park.

Council Leader Matt Dormer said: “We know how important our parks and open spaces are to our residents.

“So, as well as using monies from developers we are also investing our own funds to revamp existing equipment and create new features to enhance the experience further for residents and visitors.”

Keep an eye on the Council’s social media to see what else there is to do this half-term and for updates on the park improvements.