Winton Recreation Ground

Winton Recreation Ground is the only significant green space in an area of approximately one square mile, serving a population of some 4750 people. It is greatly valued by the local community for informal recreation, in particular by young people and dog walkers, and it also provides a variety sporting facilities.

Intense pressure on the Recreation Ground from residents minimizes wildlife opportunities. However shrubs provide some food source for birds while borders mulched with prunings and leaves encourage invertebrates contributing to the food chain. Pesticide use is minimized and peat is not utilized on site.

Community involvement includes the annual May Sports Festival, management of the bowls and tennis facilities and providing the Wide Awake Play Group. The Fellowship Club also meets regularly for various leisure activities. The Bowls Pavilion has been extended.

Access to, and within, Winton Recreation Ground has improved following a publicly consulted re-landscaping of the informal sports area, resulting in expanding the area available to the Play Group, providing a new footpath, entrance gates and tree planting.

It is well maintained by site-based grounds staff who, together with the Community Parks Officers, ensure that the Recreation Ground is safe and pleasant environment for relaxation.

The park is designated for the control of dog fouling under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. In addition some areas are designated ‘Dog Prohibited’ and ‘Dogs on Leads’ under the Byelaws for the Regulation of Dogs.

Winton Recreation Ground currently holds the prestigious Green Flag Award.