£1.5 million improvement plan for Coventry parks set to be approved

Coventry city councillors are set to approve a £1.5 million improvement plan for the city’s 25 parks and open spaces.

The sites highlighted to receive improvements range from £100,000 park and play area improvements to Longford Park and Caludon Castle Park, through to smaller scale site and fencing improvements at The Lindfield Open Space in Stoke Aldermoor and Spencer Park.

Year three of the programme will also see an investment into sport pitch improvements and the city council will continue to work with external partners to maximise funding available for the development of key sites.

A key part of the plan will also be to engage local communities in the on-going discussions around equipment design, location and maintenance.

The three-year programme will start in April 2010 with £235,000 capital monies committed in 2010/11 followed by £486,000 in 2011/12 and £847,000 in 2012/13, all supported by an element of city council revenue money.

The majority of the funding for the programme will come from housing site developers who contribute to a range of improvements, including play provision, as part of the planning process.

Councillor Tim Sawdon, Cabinet Member, Culture, Leisure and Libraries, said: "I hope that the announcement of this large scale improvement programme will show the city council's on-going commitment to making Coventry an attractive and enjoyable place to be and the important role these spaces have in encouraging people to get outdoors and enjoy life in a safe environment."

Further information:
Coventry City Council