The Kettering park, one of East Midland’s most popular attractions, has been awarded just over £1million (£1,046,900) from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to support the project.

The restoration will entail dredging and deepening the main lake and new sluices will be installed. Reed beds will also be planted alongside areas of grass wetland to improve biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

Other works involved in the project include the conservation of the currently redundant roundhouse, a 1924 lakeside shelter, which will be repaired, bringing it back into use as a focus for lakeside activities.

There are also plans which will see the creation of a large amphitheatre, new pathways around the lake and arboretum, and the creation of water play areas for children.

Wicksteed Park managing director Alasdair McNee, Oliver Wicksteed, chairman of the Wicksteed Charitable Trust, and Community Link Manager Charlotte Widgery will give an update on the project at Latimer Arts College on July 16. The event will start at 6.30pm in the college’s Masque Theatre and will give further details of what is planned once work begins in September. Visit the Wicksteed Park website for more information.

Alasdair McNee, said: “These are exciting times for the park and we not only want to tell people about our plans but to encourage them to feel a part of the park and get involved in our vision for the future.

“I believe that these improvements and additions would be just the sort of things Charles Wicksteed would have carried out if he was still alive today. This project will go much further than just restoring former glory and I am genuinely excited about all of the new activities and habitats that will be created around the lake, ensuring that it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.”

Notes to editors

The lake was created between 1919-21 prior to the park being formally opened in 1921 and was used for regattas, swimming, boating and water polo, with the park advertised as 'The Gateway to Health and Happiness.'

The water for the lake is supplied by The River Ise which enters through original Charles Wicksteed-designed sluices. Over the years, however, large amounts of sediment have collected across the lake, reducing its depth to less than half a metre across much of its area.

Wicksteed Park, near Kettering, was founded by Charles Wicksteed, the inventor of modern day play equipment such as the slide and the swing, so it has become known as the home of children’s play.

It also combines the tranquility of an historic Grade II listed country park with 147 acres of parkland, a nature reserve run by the Wildlife Trust and attractions such as rollercoasters and rides. To find out more go to the Wildlife Trust website

Further information

GDR Public Relations Ltd: Andrew Turner or Richard Baguley on 0125 3600 800 or 0771 5373 166.