A new natural wood shelter is now open at Rushcliffe Country Park, providing park visitors with a sociable space and additional seating for all weathers.
Park goers can take shelter whilst enjoying refreshments from the adjacent Coffee and Cake by the Lake café, which opened last autumn.
The shelter features hard flooring, with wheelchair friendly access paths and wheelchair accessible benches all within easy reach of the car park and toilets.
The structure is also being used as an outdoor education centre to teach children the important role wildlife has to play in protecting our planet against climate change. This will be aided by fun interactive displays, courtesy of The Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park.
It’s the latest investment in a series of improvements Rushcliffe Borough Council is implementing following user surveys, consultations and feedback from residents.
Other recent investments at the park include a new bookable meeting room, café, upgraded toilets, improved play area, electric vehicle charging points and pathway restoration work.
The shelter project has been funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda to provide funding for local investment.
Rushcliffe Borough Council Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth, Cllr Abby Brennan, said: ” The new café shelter is a great addition to the park and provides a wonderful space for people to rest, relax and socialise.
“We’ve supported a number of projects through our UKSPF allocation. The new cafe shelter is an excellent example of how we are using the funding to enhance our facilities and benefit the local community.”
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Leisure and Wellbeing, Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, added: “We’re delighted to see visitors already enjoying the new shelter at the Country Park.
“It’s another great investment for the park and a fantastic spot for families to take some time out and enjoy refreshments amongst the picturesque setting by the lake.
“This project is part of our commitment to significantly invest in the Country Park, which attracts thousands of visitors locally and further afield, to provide high quality green spaces to promote health, wellbeing and recreational opportunities.”
The shelter was constructed by natural wood specialists, Green Play Project Ltd.