Help shape the future of Hartlepool’s parks

Published Wednesday, 16th August 2023

Residents of Hartlepool are being invited to share their views on management plans for four of Hartlepool’s parks and open spaces.

The plans covering Rossmere Park, Burn Valley Gardens, Seaton Park and Ward Jackson Park have been drawn up by Hartlepool Borough Council to act as strategic guides for the sites’ effective management and development.

Residents and visitors to Hartlepool can comment on the plans by taking part in an online survey on the authority’s Your Say Our Future engagement and consultation platform.

The survey which is open until Sunday 24th September, can be accessed at https://yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/hartlepool-s-parks-consultation-2023  

In addition, Council officials are encouraging people to also have their say by using the platform’s Ideas Board and Question and Answer features.

Sarah Scarr, the Council’s Head of Service (Heritage and Open Spaces), said: “It is important that the information in the management plans reflects the views of Hartlepool residents and park visitors. This will help us to continue providing a service that meets the needs of the community.

“For that reason, we want to hear people’s thoughts on these four parks, how often they visit, what they like and dislike about them, and what they believe should be our priorities for the future of the parks.”

Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community Based Services Committee, added: “We have some wonderful parks and open spaces across Hartlepool, but it is important that we have clear plans in place to ensure their continued development in a way that meets the need of local residents and visitors to the town.

“The ultimate aim is to ensure we have a series of healthy, welcoming and safe parks that serve local communities and visitors, whilst also allowing nature to thrive.”

The parks management plans have also been designed to link closely with the authority’s Council Plan which sets out a vision for the wider Borough. This vision includes ensuring that Hartlepool is a place where people are enabled to live healthy, independent and prosperous lives, and the Council Plan recognises the important role of good quality parks and open spaces in achieving this.

Further information about parks and open spaces in Hartlepool is available by emailing parksandcountryside@hartlepool.gov.uk