The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) announced a grant of £547,300 is to go to Eureka Park in Swadlincote.

Funds will be used to restore heritage features and explore the social history of the well-used site over the next five years. Plans in the pipeline include reinstating features such as the Floral Clock, Rose Arch Walk and the Cascades as well as improving the planting and general appearance.

A major initiative to research and record the history of the park, due to its strong links to both industrialisation and as a memorial to the two World Wars, is also set to start.

It is also hoped that the funding fillip will boost the membership of the Friends of Eureka Park group, who will receive training and support to learn new skills and work alongside the project team to help improve facilities.

Cllr John Lemmon, the Chairman of Housing and Community Services at South Derbyshire District Council, said: "We're delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund have awarded us this grant.

“This is a wonderful early Christmas present for park users and the people of South Derbyshire and is the green light for our exciting plans.

“Eureka Park is at the heart of the community and has been for generations. The funding means that we can now deliver a wonderful park that continues to be fit for the 21st century that builds on its history and heritage."

The park started life as a recreation ground in the 1930s and has grown and developed over time.

Paths mingle through streams and picturesque planting, opening up into play areas and sports fields. Children can play on the swings or participate in a round of crazy golf and adults can enjoy a relaxing game of bowls.

A key aspiration is to increase the range of visitors, currently 50,000 annually, and a full-time community engagement officer will be employed to implement an increased programme of events and activities.

Carole Souter, Chief Executive of HLF, said on behalf of HLF and BIG: “We’re delighted to be bringing a bit of seasonal cheer to a number of popular parks, including Eureka Park, especially as demand for funding continues to be very high. It’s been a tough year for those caring for our public parks but HLF and BIG’s commitment to this important part of the UK’s heritage is unwavering. 
 
“Parks enrich millions of people’s lives on a daily basis – providing room to relax and reflect – and it’s vital that we continue to value and protect them not just for ourselves but for the next generation too.”

Notes to editors

Today’s second-round pass award is from the Parks for People programme which has a two-stage or two-round application process. The full grant has now been awarded following a successful second-round application from these parks.

The Parks for People programme uses Lottery funds to support the regeneration, conservation and increased enjoyment of public parks and the conservation of cemeteries. The programme aims to improve the local environment and put parks firmly back at the heart of community life.  HLF and BIG will continue to fund public park projects from FY 2013/2014 to FY 2015/2016 with a joint investment of £100m.
 
HLF is continuing to fund public park projects in 2012/13 with an investment of £24m. The next closing date for applications is 28 February 2013. Go to the Parks for the People page for more information. The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) remains committed to working in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in making a success of the Parks for People programme with an allocation of £5m in 2012/13.  

Since 1994, HLF has awarded a total of £640m to over 700 public parks across the UK

The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004. It was established by Parliament on 1 December 2006. Find out more by visiting the Big Lottery website.

Further information

Katie Owen, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6036 / 07973 613 820.