The North Solihull Partnership has created an urban park on an underused area of land between the Chester Road and Windward Way in Smith's Wood as part of green space improvements to the area.

Woodlands Green Park is part of a housing and green space project and is adjacent to the new Bellway Homes residential development, Montford Rise. The mix of 27 one, two and three bedroom houses due to be finished later this year.

A budget of £90,000 has transformed the former 8,700m²  piece of land in Smith's Wood into an attractive and inviting green space for people to walk through and for children to stay and play.

Access to the area has been improved with a new footpath replacing the previous informal path and other paths have been widened and resurfaced. Vegetation has been cleared back by the entrances and overgrown shrubs have been removed to open up the area and improve the view.

New Trailplay equipment has been installed in the centre of the park to give children the opportunity to develop their balance and coordination. Equipment includes a balance beam, rope climbing wall, stepping posts and spinning disc. A football goal with basketball hoop has also been installed within a hard standing area for ball games.

New trees enclose the play area and evergreen and flowering shrubs have been planted around the park for seasonal interest and to encourage bees and butterflies.

The final stages of the park development which include hedge and tree planting and additional seating near the new housing development are due to be finished later this year when Montford Rise is complete.

Solihull Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Regeneration, Councillor Tony Dicicco said: "The development of Woodlands Green Park in Smith's Wood has transformed the area between Windward Way and Chester Road into an attractive green space for people of all ages to enjoy and spend time. The park is a good addition to the local area and complements the new housing development, Montford Rise.

"This type of scheme demonstrates Solihull Council's commitment to making the most of Solihull's green spaces."

Sales and Marketing Director for Bellway's West Midlands division, Stephen Rose, said: "This new urban park will be a real asset to this area and our new residents at Montford Rise.

"The creation of the new park will provide an excellent local amenity which will be a boost to the area and will help to insil further local pride in North Solihull."