Articles

New path and entrance thanks to local businessman

Date Posted: 1:49 PM on Wed, 20 March 2024

The project, which was funded by a local philanthropist and business leader, will improve the accessibility and safety of the park for all visitors.

The new entrance, which is approximately 4m wide and 16m long, is constructed from resin bound gravel that travels along the right hand side perimeter of the park. The footpath measures approximately 260 metres and it is 1.2m wide The path links access from Breck Hill Road all the way to the second entrance to the park on Woodthorpe Drive, next to the recently refurbished children’s play area.

The works were carried out by Ground Control Ltd, a leading provider of landscaping and maintenance services. The cost of the project, including costs for the new entrance and the 260 metre footpath, was £47,000 and was funded with the help of local entrepreneur, Professor Nat Puri.

The new path and entrance will benefit the park users, and improve accessibility for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or pushchairs. Prior to the works, some local residents reported that they did not use the park in the winter months because it was too muddy and slippery to access from Breck Hill Road. The steep banks along the right hand side boundary also posed a hazard for accessing the playground from that entrance.

The park recently secured its second Green Flag Award and one of the criteria for the award is for ‘equal access for all’. The Friends of Breck Hill Park have been working tirelessly with the council to improve the park, securing funding for over £100,000 for a new children’s play area as well as being part of the team who secured this much-needed funding for the new footpath and entrance.

Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council said:

“I am delighted to see the completion of the new path and entrance for the local park on Breck Hill Road. This project is a great example of how we can work together with our generous partners like Nat Puri to improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors. The new path and entrance will make the park more accessible and safe for everyone, especially those who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or pushchairs. I would like to thank Nat Puri for his kind donation and support for this project, and I hope that more people will enjoy the park, which is a beautiful green space in our borough.”

Erika Jones, Chair of community group, Friends of Breck Hill Park said: “People can now access the park from the Breck Hill Road entrance and can safely and easily make their way around the space, including up the bank and to the play area. It is really important that people can get into their local green space and this project makes Breck Hill Park much more accessible for everyone”.

The council expects that the new development will encourage more people to visit and appreciate the park, which is a valuable green space in the borough.