A design has been produced for a pioneering £120,000 children’s eco-park, which would be the first of its kind in Norfolk.
Officers at Norwich City Council worked with children from Sewell Park College and Catton Primary School to draw up the vision for the revamp of St Clements Park in Catton.
The aim is for it to make use of local, natural, materials and provide an alternative way of play for youngsters by offering something different to the usual boisterous, active play which parks usually focus on.
The design includes a willow tunnel, a sand pit, boulders, a look out tower, wildflowers, mounds and long grass with paths mown through it and would have easy access for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.
Paul Nicholson, children, young people and play manager at City Hall, explained: “It is based around green principles, using local materials such as wood and boulders.
“What we are trying to do is restore natural play for children. For example, I am of the age when we used to use sycamore seeds as helicopters and, dare I say it, we used to have conker fights.
“We are thinking of things such how children used dandelions for clocks and made daisy chains, so we wanted to base the park on those sorts of principles.
“When you look at how children play, most parks tend to be based on the boisterous activities, but children also like reflective play and imaginative play.
“We want to make this into a tranquil park which would be a hidden gem, but which will increase the use of this under-used park.”
Mr. Nicholson said £100,000 of the cash for the improvements for the park, which is in Woodcock Road, would come from the National Lottery, but the council had to demonstrate the idea had the support of the local community before the money was released.
He added: “I don’t know of anywhere else in Norfolk which is doing this, so it really will be something quite unique. We can also draw on elements of it for use in other city parks.”
Susan Sands, the council’s executive member for children and young people, said: “It is wonderful being able to work so closely with young people to ensure we are clear about what matters to them.
“We have listened to what local young people have told us and we hope we have produced a plan which fits in with their vision and now invite other local people to tell us what they think.
“This park is to be innovative in its use of natural materials and we hope will provide enjoyment for residents for many years to come.”
People can have their say on the plan by leaving a message with the St Clements Park team on 0344 980 3333 or by emailing info@norwich.gov.uk
City council officers will also be on hand to discuss the scheme at Oak Grove Chapel, 70, Catton Grove Road, Norwich, between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday, August 26.
