Could you be a friend of Coalville Park?

People passionate about their local park can influence future improvements by joining a new community group.

Coalville Park is already a popular spot for families, dog walkers and fresh-air lovers but North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is always looking for new ideas of how it might be improved. 

A Love Your Local Park event in August, where residents could chat to council staff, revealed a number of park users were interested in forming a ‘Friends of Coalville Park’ group. 

‘Friends of’ groups are designed to give residents the opportunity to take a lead role in the development, care and ownership of key community assets.   

Encouraged by the feedback, NWLDC is setting up an informal meeting at the park on Saturday 27 October for prospective members to gather. It will be an opportunity to find out more about becoming a friend, what is involved and the support that will be available. 

It will start at 10am at the parks office located in Coalville Park. Tea and coffee will be available along with a breakfast roll. Please contact catherine.ridgway@nwleicestershire.gov.uk by email or telephone 01530 454740 to register before than Thursday 25 October. 

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “Coalville Park is already a lovely space but it’s important we don’t stand still and we listen to residents on where it might be improved and enhanced. 

“Creating a Friends of Coalville Park group is a fantastic way of gathering the people most passionate about the park and the town as a whole, so we can tap into their thoughts and ideas. 

“If it’s something that appeals to you, pop down to the meeting, have a chat with us, and find out what it’s all about.” 

David Granger lives by the park on London Road, Coalville, and is planning on attending the meeting. He said: “As a resident living in the vicinity of the park a friends group is a great way to get people giving back and getting involved with the community, young and old”