Major improvements made to Annesley park thanks to funding

The area outside Annesley Parish Hall has seen major investment to create a state-of-the-art facility for young people.

The works have been completed thanks to £85.5k funding from Annesley and Felley Parish Council and £19.5k from the Local Improvement Scheme.

The installation works, overseen by Ashfield District Council, were split into three phases.

Phase one of the project saw major refurbishment work to existing equipment, new climber, new flooring and new furniture including bins, picnic tables and entrance signs.

In phase two, the existing kick wall was removed and replaced with a range of high quality fitness equipment, creating an outdoor gym for residents.

This includes QR codes on equipment which can be scanned by smart phones to make the facility interactive. Users can download the Kompan Cardio app and place their phone on the bike’s front panel to track data, compete against friends, ride virtual roads or play games.

The third and final phase saw additional large scale youth equipment installed on the grassed area of the park. This new equipment is dynamic and challenges young people as they grow in strength and confidence.

Coun Rachel Madden, ward member for Annesley and Kirkby Woodhouse and also a Nottinghamshire County councillor, was responsible for securing the Local Improvement Scheme funding.

She said: “This is the best Local Improvement Scheme funding Ashfield has ever seen. The change to the area is staggering and it’s fantastic to see so many people using it already.

“The quality of equipment is outstanding and with so much choice Annesley Recreation Ground must now be one of the best parks in the district.”

Coun Daniel Williamson, Annesley and Felley parish council vice-chairman, said: “We’re extremely proud to have worked with Ashfield District Council to provide these facilities for our residents.

“I would also like to thank the parish councillors for all their work in bringing this excellent facility to Annesley.”

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