Local people have questioned whether a new football pitch is the best use of £4.5 million earmarked for improvements at a popular park and communal space.
South Norfolk Council this week unveiled plans for a major overhaul of Kett's Park in Wymondham, including a second all-terrain sports pitch, extensions to the community building and improved accessibility across the site.
However, some local people believe the funding could be better directed, with calls for padel courts, upgrades to the children's play area and the addition of a running track.
Plans for £4.5million worth of improvements to Kett's Park in Wymondham are progressing. (Image: Newsquest / Sonya Duncan)
One of these, Vicki Askew, said investment in sport and leisure was welcome, but questioned whether "another football pitch" should be the top priority.
She said: "Investment in sport and leisure is always a good thing in my opinion.
"Is another football pitch top of the list of priorities?
"Or are there other sports that could benefit a wider section of the community?
"Padel is growing at a fast pace."
Matthew Large echoed those sentiments, saying there is nowhere to play padel in Wymondham despite the sport's growing popularity.
He said: "There are no padel courts in Wymondham or the local area; however, loads are popping up in Norwich.
"Could be a popular addition."
There are plans to extend the main building and add another astro pitch. (Image: South Norfolk Council)
Others feel families have been overlooked.
Sarah Helen said the park's children's play area was in need of investment and described its omission from the plans as a "missed opportunity".
The £4.5m scheme includes £3m of council investment and would see the existing community building remodelled, refurbished and extended, increasing the size of the kitchen and café areas.
Plans also include a 25m² extension to create a larger soft play and adventure play facility, an 80m² multi-purpose room and a new hard-surfaced path running through the park to improve accessibility.
The project would also deliver a second all-terrain sports pitch next to the existing 11-a-side facility, which opened in 2018.
South Norfolk Council said that anyone with questions about the plans should contact them directly.
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