Thorne Memorial Park

A site of about 6 acres, including a Remembrance area and play area. There is also a band stand which is the scene of much appreciated brass band concerts in the summer and a miniature steam railway.

Media posted on the website and Facebook 25.3.24

Thorne Memorial Play Park – update and history

Once again thank you to our young people and the local schools for welcoming us into their settings on Friday to consult about a new park at Thorne Memorial Park, we also look forward to listening to more of your views tomorrow at the consultation. The final designs and plans for the park have not yet been created and we want to hear what residents and young people want to see, so the park can be a true community asset.

Why isn’t a new play park already in place?

In June 2023 we were disheartened to hear that after an inspection carried out by an external provider, the main multi-unit was damaged, and we had no choice but to remove it for safety reasons. The timing was unfortunate with the summer holidays so close. The Town Council considered replacing this single piece of equipment but recognised that the park was dated and decided to ask the public whether they felt Thorne Park would benefit from a new park, the feedback received was an overwhelming yes, and from then on, the Council looked to embark on a new play area project.

The Town Council would have liked nothing more than to deliver this project immediately but projects such as these take time, money and need to be done correctly, the Council must follow Financial Regulations, go through the correct processes of procurement and wanted to consult with the public further, not just to ascertain whether there was a want or need for a new park, but for residents and young people’s voices to be heard in terms of the pieces of equipment to be included and the design. A park that is fun, inclusive, and includes what our local children want to see.

The Town Council sets its budget each year in January and that budget comes into effect from April at the beginning of each new financial year. Last year’s budget did not include sums to purchase a new play park at Thorne Memorial Park and the Town Council spent £21,879 on renovation work to the park at Moorends Recreational Ground following an arson attack and other ongoing acts of vandalism. In addition to these parks, the Town Council also maintains and repairs its other parks and an extensive asset base across Thorne and Moorends. The Town Council is aware that a new play park at Thorne Memorial Park will benefit the community and behind the scenes we are working hard to deliver the project as soon as possible, realistically, this project is likely to be completed before the end of 2024.

We thank you for your patience and understanding.