Dunwood Park invitation

THE future of Shaw’s Dunwood Park is looking bright as refurbishment plans to celebrate its centenary year gather pace.

Residents can look at the latest plans at the park on Sunday (1-4pm).

Supporters worked alongside the council’s parks and countryside service to draw up a detailed bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a £1.1m grant.

Last year the Friends of Dunwood Park set up the Dunwood Heritage Partnership so that local schools, businesses and voluntary groups could become partners in the project.

Each receives a certificate and also an invitation to attend the park’s scheduled reopening in 2012, when it celebrates its centenary. These final designs are the result of ongoing consultation with local people over the past 12 months. The bid is due to be submitted on October 9.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in drawing up these ambitious plans to redevelop Dunwood Park.

“Many refinements have been made over the past year based on the feedback and views expressed in close work with the local community.

“Among the improved facilities the park will get are new drainage and paths, a new pavilion, toilets, community room, classroom and interest centre.

“There will also be other recreational features, such as bowling greens and tennis courts, plus improved parkland and accessibility.

“I would encourage anyone within the local community to take some time to attend this drop-in session.

“It is an important chance for them to view the final masterplans and give their feedback ahead of the submission of what is a hugely significant bid for Shaw.”