A FACELIFT of Whitehall Recreation Ground is underway.
The first phase, which will be funded by contributions from local housing developers, will see the bandstand made safe and restored, as well as a new play area and skate park.
Later phases will bring improvements to the pathways and planting, make the war memorial more accessible to veterans and other visitors with disabilities, restore planted avenues as the existing trees approach their end of life, build an outdoor gym, and introduce public art.
These later improvements will be scheduled as grant funding is identified.
A topographical survey has already began on the site, and restoration work on the bandstand is scheduled to begin later in the year.
A consultation on restoring the recreation ground was held in late 2012 as part of an unsuccessful bid for lottery funding, but now alternative funding has been identified that will allow a phased programme of improvements.
Residents and community groups are being asked to give the council feedback so their suggestions can be incorporated in the final plans.
Sean Lawson, Head of Environment and Public Realm at Rugby Borough Council, said: “Whitehall Recreation Ground is Rugby’s oldest public green space and has played a major role in the history of the town for more than 140 years.
“Now protected as a park forever as a Fields in Trust protected site, it’s time to look at how the park can be restored and stay at the heart of the community for years to come.”
Similar community-led improvements have taken place at Hollowell Way in Brownsover, Gladstone Green pocket park in New Bilton, and the Green Flag winning Centenary Park in Newbold in recent years.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/whitehallrec for more information on the Whitehall Rec consultation.
