Work to upgrade footpaths in parks across the city has been completed in time for spring. Visitors to Chaddesden Park, Alvaston Park, Allestree Park, South Avenue Park and Gravel Pit Lane Recreation Ground in Spondon will enjoy a better experience as a result of the improvements.
The new smoother paths have been designed to make the parks more accessible and ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of the city’s green spaces as the weather improves.
At Chaddesden ParkOpens in new tab, the main footpath connecting the library, the café and the play area, has been widened and resurfaced. At Alvaston ParkOpens in new tab, an upgrade of the well-used path between the park and Lakeside Primary School has made the route much more accessible, while improvements have also been made to paths at Allestree Park. Opens in new tab
South Avenue ParkOpens in new tab and Gravel Pit Lane Recreation Ground have also had their paths revamped, while the entrance from South Avenue has been improved and new railings installed to create a more welcoming and accessible entry point.
Alongside the various path upgrades, the entrances to Chaddesden Wood Local Nature ReserveOpens in new tab have been improved to make them more accessible, thanks to Section 106 funding for the site. Visitors may have noticed new signs at three of the entrances, with the main signage to be installed in the coming months.
The owl sculpture at Chaddesden Wood
Two new benches have been installed by the Friends of Chaddesden Wood with six more due to be installed soon. The wood also has an amazing new wooden sculpture of an owl and a cheeky mouse near the Diamond Drive entrance. It joins the family of hedgehogs and juicy worm sculptures installed in 2024.
The animals were carved by the talented Derbyshire wood sculptor Andrew Frost from a selection of sustainable British timber.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:
We’re so fortunate to have so many parks and green spaces in our city and we want as many people as possible to be able to enjoy them. Improving the footpaths to make our parks more accessible means everyone can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors, while the developments at Chaddesden Wood will improve visitors’ experience.
Spending time in nature has positive effects on our physical and mental wellbeing, so we hope the improvements we’ve made will encourage more people to visit their local park or green space.
Find more information about our parksOpens in new tab on the Derby Parks website.