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We are developing plans to improve St. Nicholas Park and Myton Fields and we have consulted on the following ideas.
  
Pathway Improvement - estimated cost £57,200
Footpaths are generally in a fair to poor condition within St Nicholas Park, the cycle way/footpath linking the two parks being the exception. The network of paths is generally good and suitable for the type, size and usage of the park. The Riverside Walk in St. Nicholas Park is one footpath that requires particular attention. This walk connects a chain of open spaces through Warwick to Leamington and extends to more than 5 kilometres in length. The tree lined walk along the River Avon from boat house and Castle Bridge as far as the sea scouts building and Charter Bridge is a popular walk for local people and visitors. It starts as a wide, high quality tarmac footpath in keeping with the formal garden in its adjacency, the footpath crosses St John’s Brook before reducing in width to approximately 1m with no visible edge and patchy tarmac.
Proposal: The section of Riverside Walk footpath, from St. John’s Brook to Charter Bridge, is widened and resurfaced and to become fully accessible, so that this popular walk is more convenient and enjoyable.
Toilet Improvement - estimated cost £152,000
St. Nicholas Park toilets were built in 1935 and are of a red brick and a thatched roof construction. The building is in reasonable condition but facilities appear dated despite recent refurbishment, and are of insufficient size to provide for able bodied, disabled and baby changing facilities.
Proposal: The ladies toilets are extended at the rear to give 10 additional cubicles, and are altered internally to give two mother and baby changing areas. It is intended that the character of the toilets is preserved, such as the thatch roof.
Wildlife enhancements - Conservation and Interpretation - estimated cost £28,800
In spite of its proximity to extensive areas of ecologically rich landscapes,including the riverside corridor and Kingfisher Pools, the majority of the St. Nicholas Park and Myton Fields is considered of low ecological value. However there is a significant opportunity for ecological enhancement, offering a refuge to wildlife on the edge of an urban area.
Proposal: To increase marginal planting to the riverbank while maintaining the open character of this area, and to introduce swathes of meadow grass to the riverbank to blend amenity grass with natural character of the riverside.
Memorial Beech Trees - estimated cost £3000
The Memorial Avenue lines the main walk in St. Nicholas Park and contains a fine selecti on of Copper Beech trees commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War. The beech trees are a landscape feature within the park and are of significant heritage value. However the memorial plaques have fallen into disrepair and many have become embedded into the trees as they have grown. Additionally some of the trees have been lost and need replacing.
Proposal: These memorials are restored or replaced for future generations.
Lighting and CCTV - estimated cost £35,000
Lighting is provided in key areas within St. Nicholas Park in the car park area and the main cycle way/footpath. However concerns have been expressed at the lack of lighting between the leisure centre along the main footpath towards the play area, where the lighting stops. CCTV cameras have been introduced in St. Nicholas Park car park and concentrate on car crime or anti social behaviour. However concerns have been expressed at the lack of CCTV within the rest of the park.
Proposal: 10 new lighting columns and one fixed CCTV camera to be introduced to address the security concerns.
Signage - estimated cost £20,000
There is a lack of a coordinated approach to signage throughout the parks with a mixture of materials and styles seemingly jumbled together. Signage is also limited in certain areas especially given the park’s regional significance. It is also dated, faded and contains inaccurate information.
Proposal: New signs are installed in the park at key entrance points
Improvements to the Eastern end of the park - estimated cost £32,000
The eastern end of St Nicholas Park is in effect the local greenspace for residents in the Emscote Gardens estate, William Tarver Close, Meadow Road and Emscote Road, with sheltered housing in Pickard Street and Avon Street. It is been suggested that there is limited amenity or recreation space within this area of St. Nicholas Park.
Proposal: More provision for local residents, including teenagers and older people. Examples include a sensory garden, more seating and a set of minigoals.
   
Additional information
Warwick District Council will continue to work with Glendale Grounds Management in improving the general standard in the park. St. Nicholas Park is to receive new Inclusive play equipment as part of the Big Lottery Play Programme by summer 2009. Myton Fields toilets are to be upgraded and made more accessible as part of routine maintenance programme by Spring 2009.
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