The Ashfield District Council-run park is set for a series of improvements to make it more appealing for visitors in time for the summer.

It has also received a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The £23,900 grant is to be used to explore and enhance the park's heritage, including the repair of the last remaining structure on the park – the 'boathouse'.

The money will also be used to help create a leaflet-based heritage-walk through the park with the focus of the project being a 'Heritage In The Park"'event on Sunday June 8.

This will involve a range of Hucknall groups and locals taking along photographs and stories, as well as taking part in photography workshops and a guided history walk.

Also in the pipeline is a revamp of the children's playground after extensive consultation with local people.

The new area has been designed to create an exciting and attractive play space for children, parents and carers to enjoy and will include brand new equipment, play features and natural elements.

The work is being funded by local contributions from housing developers for improvements to open space.

Support has also come via a £30,000 grant from WREN (Waste Recycling Environment Ltd), a non-profit organisation that funds projects from landfill tax levied.

Paths on the park are also to be improved and the entrances modified with the aim of increasing accessibility. A formal entrance to the war memorial for the annual Remembrance Day parade on the park is also to be created.

It is anticipated that the work will be completed in time for the introduction of a cafe on the park this summer, creating an ideal destination for a family day out or relaxing with friends.

Frank Horsley, head of community and economic promotion at Ashfield Council, said: "The district's award-winning country parks perform a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of local people and promoting civic pride.

"Hucknall's growth over recent years makes the provision of high-quality green space a priority, further enhancing the town as an excellent place to live."