Small Heath Park Potential Landscape Improvements

Overview

We would like to seek your views on a number of potential landscape improvements to Small Heath Park. While the existing park has many great features, there are currently some exciting opportunities available for further improvement and enhancement of the park’s facilities. Please refer to the attached plan for an overview of the potential landscape improvements proposed, together with a short description of each element which is included below.

Please take some time to read through the information provided in this letter and either respond online or post/drop this form back at the addresses provided overleaf. 

Improvements to the junior play area: The existing junior play area currently has a large vacant space in which a new piece of inclusive climbing equipment could be installed.                                                                                             

New Outdoor Gym Area: Adjacent to the play area, a new outdoor gym area could be installed which could be used by both older children and adults.
New family picnic area: Also adjacent to the play area, a new family picnic area could allow the space to become a real active social hub and provide interest and activity for all ages and abilities.

Restoration of the artificial cricket wicket: The artificial cricket wicket has been severely vandalised in recent years. It is proposed that this is repaired and restored using more resilient materials.                                                           

New seating areas and litter bins: The seating in the middle of the park is tired and in need of refurbishment. A number of new seats, designed in arrangements of ‘outdoor living rooms’ could provide larger groups of visitors opportunities to meet and socialise together. Additional seating and litter bins could be provided throughout the park.

Wildflower meadow planting: Wildflower meadow grassland areas could be introduced along the north-western edge of the boating lake. This would help provide new wildlife habitats as well as provide additional visual interest and a more natural feel to this area of the park.

Biodiversity improvements: Pre-planted coir rolls and mesh baskets planted with oxygenating plants could be introduced to the edges of the boating lake to help improve water quality and provide additional wildlife habitats. Fountain jets could be introduced into the middle of the boating lake which would also help with aeriation and movement of the water as well as providing additional visual interest and a relaxing sound.

Restoration of the Moghul Garden: The Moghul Garden could be restored and reopened and a new park entrance could be created onto Wordsworth Road.
New 1km circular walking and running marker: A designated walking/running route could be introduced within the park. Physical lines, markers and signs could help direct people along a designated route, encouraging people to engage in more meaningful and measured physical exercise.

Improvements to the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA): A number of potential minor improvements such as repairs to missing/damaged brickwork, replacement of missing/damaged fence panels, repairs to surfacing (where required), repainting of line marking and possible street art on brick walls working with a street artists and local community/youth groups.