Ideas for Attleborough Recreation Ground floated at meeting

Residents had the chance to look at plans put together by the firm Playlink for the town council which show how the central sports and play area could look in 10 years' time.

Phil Doyle and Sioned Williams from Playlink then gave a presentation at Tuesday's council meeting, and showed a plan of what could be done with the ground.

The plan called for hard-surfaced footpaths, an existing skate park moved to a more central spot, a re-designed playground and more trees to be planted.

Mr Doyle said more could be done with the ground if the town's football club relocated to another site in the town, possibly Gaymers Meadow.

A slide of a plan presented by Playlink showing what Attleborough Recreation Ground could look like in the future. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

But he said the ground could be improved even with the football pitches, and the lawn bowls club, still there.

He said: 'Rather than being just a recreation area it could be the beginning of a town park.'

Mr Doyle called for a more 'natural' looking play area.

He said: 'If you have what we call a playable landscape families and children will stay there much longer than on traditional equipment.'

Phil Doyle from PLaylink gave a presentation at Attleborough Town Counicl about what could be done to improve Attleborough Recreation Ground. Picture: Stuart Anderson (Image: Archant)

Mr Doyle also called for the ground's multi-use games area (Muga) - which the council has been granted almost £40,000 to redevelop - to have a more 'open' look with few tall fences as opposed to an 'off-the-shelf' cage-like design. But he said an open design would cost £60,000-£65,000.

Mr Doyle said he had received mixed response from residents about the ideas, with some saying they disliked the idea of the football club moving.

He said he had also heard concerns about vandalism and late-night use of the playground.

Vera Dale, deputy mayor, said the design was interesting, but raised concerns there would not be enough parking at the site.

Attleborough Recreation Ground. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Residents left feedback on post-it notes before the council meeting. One read: 'put skate park down at Gaymers - too noisy at the Rec!'

Another read: 'This town is getting bigger, so the park needs to be better for all age groups,' and another suggested 'a paddling pool would be good.'

The council plans to develop a master plan for the recreation ground.