Looking to improve Dysart Park

Visitors to this weekend’s Dysart Park Family Fun Day in Grantham can play their part in big plans for the park’s future.

South Kesteven District Council, which owns the park, is preparing an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for money to pay for major improvements.

People at the fun day can say what they like and dislike about the park and how they think it could be improved. The information collected will be used as part of the NLHF application.

SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, said: “Dysart Park is already much-loved by the community. It does, however, have the potential to be even better and SKDC is aiming to secure Lottery funding to unlock that potential and further add to its appeal.

“We hope to embark on a park-wide refurbishment delivering an exciting range of events, activities and learning opportunities.”

The fun day is the biggest event of the year for the Dysart Park Action Group, made up of community volunteers who work together to help improve what is one of the town’s most popular public open spaces.

Attractions on Sunday (July 7) include a fun dog show, refreshments, pony rides, archery and table tennis. There will also be a wide variety of stalls, a raffle and children’s races. The fun starts at 11am and entry is free.

This year new play equipment and safety surfacing has been installed in the park thanks to a £55,000 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation.

The money was secured through a grant application by SKDC, on behalf of the action group which also contributed £6,000, raised mainly through previous fun days.

Lydia Gallaher, chairman of the action group, said: “The council support we receive is invaluable. It is recognised that parts of the park require improvement and the play area was just the start. If the bid for Lottery funding is successful we will be involved in exciting developments that will ensure the park is well-used by generations to come.”