Ringwood Town Council “thrilled” with new play area at Carvers Recreation Ground

A RINGWOOD recreation ground will see the installation of a multi-use games area in a bid to “transform the park into a more inclusive and better used space for all”.

The facility at Carvers will go on the site of the existing tennis court, and will include football pitches and basketball, tennis and netball courts.

It will be free to use and bookable by sports groups, “opening new opportunities for team sports and coaching activities in the heart of Ringwood”, says the town council.

The addition, which will also feature bee friendly plants and shrubs, has been funded by a generous grant from Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund.

There will also be play equipment for kids at the northern end of the recreation ground.

Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Rae Frederick, who is also the chair of the Carvers working party, said: “This is fantastic news for the town. We’ve listened to what residents told us they wanted to see at Carvers - more sports, more nature, more places to sit and spend time - and this funding is a big step in our mission to create a park that truly serves the whole community.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Veolia Environmental Trust for supporting our plans. This is part of phase one of an ambitious masterplan developed through community consultation.

“The vision includes natural spaces, improved entrances, and better links across the site - all shaped by feedback from families, sports clubs, and community groups.”

Leanne Symonds, head teacher at Ringwood School, said, “We know that the young people of Ringwood will be delighted by the proposed improvements and look forward to seeing them in use.”

Work on the new facility is due to begin in June and is expected to take two weeks, with the council hopeful it will be ready for use for the summer holidays.

A display with images of the new facility will be available at Carvers clubhouse throughout April.