Bowers Avenue play park receives financial boost and reopens for visitors

The area now benefits from brand new play equipment, including two new double swing sets and a climbing frame, as well resurfacing work to minimise the impact of any future anti-social behaviour on the site.

Safety grass mats have replaced the sand that was underneath the swings in both play areas, which has previously been contaminated with glass.

A cantilever swing has also been installed alongside a level access path to the area for accessible play. There is also a new picnic table.

Cllr Matthew Packer, cabinet member with responsibility for parks and open spaces at Norwich City Council, said:

“It was a difficult decision for us to delay reopening the park last year but by doing so we’ve had the time needed to speak with the community about ongoing issues and find the capital investment to really improve this much-needed space for residents.

“The new surface will ensure that the same issue which resulted in the park being closed last year does not happen again.

“The increased use of the city’s parks and open spaces throughout the pandemic has only reinforced our existing position that we will continue to invest in and enhance these across the city for everyone in Norwich.”

The play park is located between Bowers Avenue and Boundary Road in Norwich and was closed initially due to the pandemic lockdown in March 2020 to reduce the risk of infection in line with government guidance.

During this closure period, a large quantity of glass was smashed, contaminating both sandpits which made it unsafe for visitors. Funding was required to dispose of and replace all the sand and it was agreed by the city council at that time, that the park would remain closed until the funding became available.

The improvement work, that started in April 2021, was funding through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 (Town and Country Planning Act 1990) and has cost around £50,000.