Norman Park play area
About the site
Norman Park is in Birkby in the Greenhead ward of Kirklees. There are two sections of the park/developments: Norman Park (North) and Jack Hill (South). This site has been chosen as the second Playable Space Site for development in the Greenhead Ward due its importance to the local community and some additional funding being available through Section 106 developments.
Norman Park play area
Project overview
Together with Local Ward Councillors and Community Groups we developed a draft plan to improve and extend the existing facilities at Norman Park. The design was consulted on via an online survey. View the feedback report on the findings from feedback received here.
The response to the proposed designs at Norman Park were positive and supportive of the plan for play. The majority of respondents were regular users and therefore the outcome of the survey provides valuable information to improve this valued local asset, complementary to the requirements of the local community.
Some changes have been made to the original design following consultation and in response to increasing industry costs, however the following design will now be implemented on site:
Norman Park - North scheme layout
Norman Park - South scheme layout
Flooding
We recognise that parts of the proposed works are within areas prone to flooding. Consultee responses proposed additional flood defences on the east side of the park to protect properties however after review of this suggestion, it was determined that installation here would only mean more flood water will spread to east side of the park. In terms of flood attenuation, it is our preference that parks rather be flooded than people homes. It is therefore important that any new play design of the park is resilient to this. The wet conditions at the park were a primary consideration in the play design. Bonded rubber mulch (made from recycled tyres), will be placed under all play equipment, providing a durable, low-maintenance safety surface, which is permeable and slip resistant. The sub-base to the mulch will help with drainage and the surfacing will be laid to avoid any standing water that might compromise the play equipment. The swale and wetland planting has been introduced to complement the wet environment will also help support the natural resilience of the greenspace.
Next steps
The works on site will begin in late June 2023, for an estimated period of 8 weeks.