£160k to be invested in local play park

Wash Meadows Playpark – known locally as Johnny’s Park and located in Ilkeston next to Millership Way, just past the roundabout entrance to Tesco’s car park – will receive a big park upgrade with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

With two potential designs to choose from, Erewash Borough Council will use the community’s preferred option to enhance the park, so that visitors can have the play area that they want to see and make use of. 'Option One' is jungle themed and features multiple rope bridges while 'Option Two' boasts a "super fast slide" and a "pole vaulter" challenge. Residents can take part in the survey on the council’s Let’s Talk Erewash platform before the consultation closes at 12pm on Tuesday 19th August 2025. 

The works should then begin in early September after the school holidays, with plans for the play area to be complete by end of November.

Cllr Josy Hare who is Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “We are pleased that we can revitalise a park that provides children with an outdoor space to socialise and play together, and that this is supported by UK SPF funding that the council secured. We look forward to seeing the final design that our residents decide on come to life for families to have fun on.”

West Park in Long Eaton recently had a similar refresh, replacing its tired playground with a new play mecca. Residents were also able to choose their favourite design for West Park, which was invested in through UK SPF funding as well. The final design featured bridges and a zipwire for slightly older children as well as a separate section with a rocking boat for toddlers.