Improvements to three of Northumberland’s parks are set to go ahead – including plans for the creation of a bouldering park. 
 

The Council’s Cabinet is recommended to approve proposals to invest over £400,000 at Plessey Woods Country Park, Gallagher Park in Bedlington and Cleasewell Hill Park in Choppington. 
 

The main source of funding would be from the existing Parks Enhancement Capital Programme and Members’ Local Improvement Scheme Funds along with contributions from Choppington Parish Council and Section 106 monies. 
 

At Plessey Woods, it’s proposed to install an outdoor climbing / bouldering facility. This highly realistic, free standing climbing structure would be designed and constructed to recreate any rock type or style of climbing. 
 

Research by the Council has found there is a ‘clear appetite’ among the climbing community for this type of facility. However, it also provides an opportunity for the wider community to get involved in outdoor physical exercise that's challenging, fun, and free. 
 

At Cleasewell Hill Park, the plan, in partnership with Choppington Parish Council is to carry out a refurbishment scheme with a new inclusive play area, improved access, resurfacing of footpaths, steps, and improved landscaping.  
 

And at Gallagher Park, there would be extra parking bays to help reduce congestion on match days and improve site safety. The current car park would also be resurfaced and new fencing installed to prevent unauthorised parking. 
 

Councillor Colin Horncastle, Cabinet Member for Looking After Our Environment, said: “The Council has recently agreed a new Environment Policy Statement that strengthens our approach to maintaining, protecting and enhancing the environment of the county for the benefit of everyone.  
 

“As part of this approach we are committed to ensuring our parks and green spaces are well managed and maintained and to invest in them so that they continue to act as vibrant, living spaces that bring communities together and provide opportunities to connect with nature in the heart of our towns and neighbourhoods, so that these spaces remain cherished, accessible places for all to enjoy. 
 

“We’re working with local communities to understand what improvements could work for them and we’re confident that these latest ones will be well received. 
 

“These schemes are just part of our on-going major investment and improvement programme in our parks and green spaces with more to follow, as we know how important they are for people’s health and wellbeing.”