Mount Noddy Masterplan

Work is continuing behind the scenes this month on improvements to the play area to enable essential drainage works to be completed. We encountered an issue caused by pooling surface water in the play area during construction, which requires engineers to design a drainage solution. Plans are being finalised and this will ensure the playground will be fully useable year-round for years to come. This involves working closely with West Sussex County Council, and in partnership we will resolve this soon.

Once drainage is complete, the final works can be finished and the play area will receive its safety inspection. We are aiming for the park to be completed in July, ready to welcome the community to this new and improved space in time for the summer holidays. We know residents are keen to see the park reopen, and we are grateful for the patience and understanding shown while these important final works are carried out.

We will provide a further update in June.

The new youth zone was largely open in time for the Easter Play Day event and has been a popular feature since then.

Other progress has been slow whilst we work behind the scenes to resolve the drainage issue that came to light in the play area over winter. Before we can return, we are working with West Sussex County Council to agree works that will impact on their paths which run through the park.

When complete, our contractor will ensure the site is left tidy including removing larger stones that have come to the surface and laying more topsoil and grass seed. Thanks for your patience whilst we carry out the final stages of these improvements.

Over the past month, we have experienced above average seasonal rainfall. This has resulted in saturated ground conditions, which have slowed progress on site. Despite this, all play equipment has now been installed. The large puddle that had formed in the play area has been cleared, allowing preparation for the new surfacing to begin.

The planned drainage works for the new youth zone could not take place due to the wet ground conditions; however, our contractor was able to install the railings.

Behind the scenes, negotiations have been ongoing with West Sussex County Council to finalise the surfacing of the paths that run through the park. These discussions are focused on ensuring that any disruption to path users is kept to a minimum.

Our contractors recently advised that several trees were planted slightly differently to the original plan due to underground services beneath the grass. One of these trees has been planted within the former footprint of the football pitch.

Providing these new trees remains a priority for us but we also want to meet the needs of our communities. Although a smaller football pitch could be safely accommodated, we understand the Football Club’s need for the original, larger pitch size.

The recent pitch lining has confirmed that we can achieve the full-size layout by relocating one tree. This tree will be carefully lifted and replanted elsewhere within the park, ensuring it continues to contribute to the landscape.

Recent weather has made access to the site difficult without risking damage to the surface, which we want to keep in the best condition possible for future play. As soon as conditions allow, we will carry out the replanting. In the meantime, the temporary pitch markings will naturally fade and will not be repainted until matches are ready to be scheduled.

This approach ensures the park continues to provide high quality sports facilities while also preserving and enhancing the wider green space for all visitors.

Over the past month, work has continued despite periods of snow and ice, the recent water supply issues, and heavy rainfall.

Planting has now been completed around the pavilion and the nursery garden, helping to improve the appearance of these areas and create more welcoming spaces for park users. Coping stones have also been added to the low brick walls, giving them a finished and durable edge.

Behind the scenes, a new underground drainage connection has been installed from the bin store to help protect local groundwater and support a healthier park environment.

Tree planting across the park and in the youth zone is now complete. As these trees mature, they will provide shade and help make the park a more comfortable and enjoyable place to spend time during warmer weather.

As part of the improvement works being undertaken by the Council, on Thursday 22^nd January, students from local Sackville School helped plant over 100 perennials and shrubs with the guidance of experienced horticulturists from our project partner, Blakedown Landscapes. As part of the school’s outdoor learning programme, eight Year 8 students rolled up their sleeves and got their wellies on to plant up two new flower beds to add colour and life near the entrance to the pavilion in the park, part of several additions and changes the Council has planned this year for the public to enjoy. Stay tuned for further updates this spring.

The new path network is now complete, and benches have been installed along the routes so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

When the weather warms up, all paths will receive a Tar and Chip topping to give them a durable and attractive finish.

For extra fun, a new Pétanque area has been installed. Don’t know how to play? Don’t worry, signs giving guidance on how to play will be installed on the seating in this area, so everyone can have a go!

The new youth zone is nearly finished, but due to exceptionally wet weather, our contractor has had to delay the completion of the new surface.

Unfortunately, there has also been a delay in receiving some of the materials needed for the playground refurbishment. As a result, this part of the project is taking longer than we hoped.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while these improvements are completed. Exciting changes are on the way—thank you for bearing with us!

The play area will be closed from Monday 29th September 2025 for approximately five weeks while we carry out improvement works.

When it reopens, families can look forward to:

• New swings
• A toddler-friendly climbing frame and slide
• A taller climbing frame and slide for older children
• Improved surfacing for better accessibility
• More seating for everyone to enjoy

We expect the play area to reopen by the end of October or early November—just in time for some autumn fun!

On Monday 9th June, our contractor, Blakedown Landscapes, will be meeting with a qualified ecologist at Mount Noddy to check for nesting birds and other protected species before work can start. If the ecologist is satisfied that no species will be harmed, then work will begin next week to remove vegetation in preparation for improvement works around the pavilion.

Improvement works will begin across the rest of the park in the following couple of weeks. These works are due to last until October, during this time areas of the green space may need to be closed to public.

Whilst no works are going to be completed within the car park, part of it will be closed for the duration of the build to allow for storage of materials and contractor welfare.

Have a look at the Mount Noddy Park Masterplan – 2024 in the Plans and Documents section, to see what is going on.

Check back here for updates!