Visitors to Rushcliffe Country Park can now enjoy an extra place to take refuge from the rain – or the sun! – thanks to a brand new natural wood shelter constructed near the Visitor Centre.
It also aims to provide a sociable space with additional all-weather seating where park-goers can enjoy refreshments from the adjacent ‘Coffee and Cake by the Lake’ café, which opened in October last year.
The structure will also be used as an outdoor education centre to teach children the important part wildlife has to play in protecting our planet against climate change – aided by fun interactive displays courtesy of The Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park group.
It’s the latest investment in a series of improvements Rushcliffe Borough Council is implementing at Ruddington’s much loved green space, following user surveys, consultations and feedback from park users and village residents. The shelter features hard flooring with wheelchair friendly access paths and wheelchair accessible benches all within easy reach of the car park and toilets. It was constructed by natural wood specialists Green Play Project Ltd.
Other recent, significant investments at the park include a new bookable meeting room, café, upgraded toilets, improved play area, electric vehicle charging points and pathway restoration work. The shelter project has been funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), part of UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, providing funding for local investment.
Rushcliffe Borough Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth Cllr Abby Brennan comments: “The new cafe shelter is a great addition to the park and provides a wonderful space for people to rest, relax and socialise. We have supported a number of projects through our UKSPF allocation, and this new cafe shelter is an excellent example of how we are utilising the funding to enhance our facilities and benefit the local community.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Leisure and Wellbeing Cllr Jonathan Wheeler says: “The Park is great for everyone. There’s people who want to come and have a run, others who want to enjoy it with the family, or to walk the dog. There are also plenty of workers who walk around from the Business Park during their their hour lunch break – and how many other places are there in the County where you can do that?”
He adds: “This new shelter is part of our commitment to significantly invest in the Country Park, which attracts thousands of visitors locally and further afield, to provide high quality green spaces to promote health, wellbeing and recreational opportunities.”
You can find more information about visiting Rushcliffe Country Park >>HERE<<.
