​Hi everyone, 

There's no denying it's been a strange time few months hasn't it. Back in March I drafted an article about the incredible improvements that had been made to parks across our city for the Spring edition, but unfortunately not many people will have been able to pick up the magazine to read it, and until now it just hasn't felt right to post it.

As playparks are set to reopen to children I wanted to share it! with you now! 

Park Improvements Freshen Up Days Out

What a difference a day in the fresh air makes! As parents we see for ourselves how much our children glow after spending even a short time outside. Whether that’s in a garden, in the park down the road, or at one of Nottingham’s beautiful large outdoor spaces - Wollaton Park, Rushcliffe County Park, the Embankment, and Gedling Country Park (awarded a much loved’ park status in a national competition).

They’re tired (which is great), muddy (after losing a welly boot or misjudging the depth of a puddle) but also refreshed and full of questions about the nature they experienced along the way.

Our local councils spent the winter improving many of the local parks we visit all the time!
Like Haywood Road Green in Mapperley which has been transformed from a bowling green into a play area with rope pyramid, seesaws, slide, roundabout, balance beams, swings, picnic tables, benches and a table tennis area after a £140,000 investment from Gedling Borough Council.

In Arnold Muirfield Road Recreation Ground has new equipment including a viper rope swing, 30m Zip Line, Disability Access Roundabout and 5m climbing wall thanks to £100k funding from FCC Communities Foundation and contributions from Warren Hill Action Group.

Improvements continue at Gedling Country Park with new viewing platforms, a car park extension and covered outdoor seating area. And in Carlton the play area on the corner of Carnarvon Grove and Foxhill Road which was on the brink of permanent closure has been improved thanks to a £38,000 investment from the Council.

In the south of the city, Broxtowe Borough Council has invested £500,000 in parks and open spaces over the last two years as part of its Pride in Parks initiative.
 
Most recently, in January, Children in Bramcote were the first to try out a new play area at King George V Park thanks to £120,000 of funding from Broxtowe Borough Council and FCC Communities Foundation.
 
With much of the equipment made from a durable hardwood grown sustainably in Europe and a recycled rubber surface - with the area using around 30 tonnes of old car tyres!,3,000 bulbs and 6 trees were planted as part of the landscaping/.
 
700 trees were planted at Hetley Pearson Recreation Ground including cherry, hazel holly and hawthorn,
 
Other parks that have been improved include Broadgate Park and Leyton Crescent Play Areas in Beeston, Brinsley and Mansfield Road Recreation Grounds in Eastwood, Beauvale Park Play Area in Greasley , Millfield Road Play Area in Kimberley, Redbridge Drive in Nuthall, Basil Russell Playing Fields and Hickings Lane Recreation Grounds in Stapleford.

So, I hope now that it's safe to do so, you can get out and enjoy these wonderful spaces during the summer months with your children! 
​

Abi in Beeston asks: “My little boy is 3 months old, should I try to get him into a nap routine soon?”

Emma: “By following age appropriate wake windows you will automatically establish a rhythm for your babys day that flows rather than being set in stone. For a 3 month old the wake window (length of time between waking and next nap) is about 1hour 30 minutes.”

Paul in Nuthall asks: “How long do children go on waking during the night? My 2 year old still wakes a few times, and I think he should be sleeping through by now.”

Emma: “We all wake during the night for brief spells due to our sleep cycles however adults and children with good sleep habits have learnt how to resettle themselves. There can be many reasons a 2 year old wakes in the night; over tiredness, time to drop the daytime nap (sigh…) separation anxiety, reaching a developmental milestone such as potty training, environmental factors or reliance on something/someone to fall asleep in the first place.”

Poonam in Sherwood asks:“My 4 week old doesn’t sleep for very long. Less than an hour at a time, during the night or day. Is this normal? Should I feed him every time he wakes?

Emma: “This is completely normal. At 4 weeks you baby is very new to the world and you’re adjusting to your new role. However there are very gentle steps you can take to help your baby sleep longer when they’re ready. 

“Clearly differentiate between day and night. Set up a simple short nap and bedtime routine. Avoid over stimulation and follow the appropriate wake window. 

“Every baby’s sleep needs and patterns will continue to change as they grow and develop, so remember, sleepless nights won’t last forever. There are things you can do to help you and baby get into good sleep habits, like being aware of signs of tiredness during the day and being consistent with a bedtime routine.

Contact Emma at ​emma@littlelullabiessleepsolutions.com

15 November–31 December
Old Market Square, Nottingham
​While away the hours browsing over 70 traditional, Bavarian-style stalls, searching for the perfect gift among handmade jewellery, woolly winter wear and wooden crafts, as well as sampling the delicious homemade and artisan cheeses, chutneys and chocolates on offer.
Kids can enjoy the traditional rides and helter-skelter or whizzing down King Street on the brand-new 30ft toboggan slide, and the whole family can show off their skating skills on the real, 750m² ice rink.​
www.nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk 

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