Mayor officially unveils major refurbishment work at popular Caister park

Following several months of work at Diana Way Community Park, the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Penny Carpenter, has officially opened a range of new facilities and features at the key community space.

The revamp was paid for with £85,000 from the Government's Levelling Up Parks Fund as part of a national £9m scheme to create new or significantly refurbished green spaces in areas that need them most.

Additional funding for the project came via money received by Great Yarmouth Borough Council from housing developers for community projects, known as Section 106 money.

Councillor Carpenter said: ''I want to thank the Levelling Up Parks Fund for its invaluable support in helping to see our vision for Diana Way Community Park come to fruition.

''Its contribution has been instrumental in enabling the council to create a space that fosters recreation, relaxation and connection for the community.''

With a focus on making the park and its new facilities accessible to all, there is a completely refurbished play area with a new accessible roundabout and accessible swing as well as a new slide, balance bars and seating.

A fully accessible picnic bench is positioned near an area of planting which features almost 100 new trees. A wildflower meadow has also been planted to provide an additional area of interest for users of the popular park.

The meadow will see a vibrant mix of wildflowers to create a display of colours and textures. Planting has been carried out using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods to ensure the meadow will thrive and help support wildlife.

A new path meandering through the park has enhanced accessibility for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

In addition to the new facilities, Diana Way Community Park has a skatepark, hard-standing pitch/court for ball sports and a large green open space. Money from the refurbishment project has been allocated for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Councillor Carpenter, said: "Outdoor and green spaces are extremely important to our communities' physical and mental wellbeing and these improvements will be something for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

''We are committed to enhancing our public spaces and I am extremely proud of what has been achieved at the park.''

As part of the works, existing equipment at the park was also refurbished, new cycle racks and signage installed, the shelter has been repainted as have the goals and lines on the court.

The works, including the path, have been designed to leave sufficient space for a Junior League-compliant football pitch layout, should that be required in the future.