Refreshing future for park

People have been telling Hull City Council and regeneration agency Gateway what they think of plans to breathe new life into the city's West Park.
If the plans go ahead, around £7m could be spent restoring the park to its former glory – but with a dramatic, contemporary twist.
Together with introducing a grand entrance based on the original 1890s design, some of the other ideas for the park include a new paddling lake, a competition standard skate park, and play facilities to keep young people entertained. For people looking for a more leisurely visit, idyllic formal gardens, restored historic features, and public artworks and sculptures could be introduced to the park.
"The proposed changes for West Park are very exciting and are a major part of the work being carried out in the area," said interim chief executive of Gateway, Laura Carr.
"It was important to find out what people think of the plans as they will ultimately be using the park. We want it to appeal to all ages and be a focal point for the local community."
People were able to give their opinion about the plans at a number of consultation events which took place throughout August and September. If the plans are given the thumbs up by the community and the council, the work will start around early 2010.
The transformation of West Park is part of the £400m investment in the Newington and St. Andrew's area which is taking place over the next 10 to 15 years.