Preliminary plans have been unveiled for a skate park and BMX pump track at a park in Oxhey.  

Watford Borough Council hopes to transform the area north of the River Colne in Oxhey Park, which includes the former Irish Centre, into a “family-focused centre for cycling, skateboarding and play” to be known as Oxhey Park North.

As well as the segregated skate park and BMX track which will be ringed by a 1km cycle track, the area will also contain a small cycle training area for children, outdoor table tennis tables, a new riverside café complete with community facilities and toilets, and wetland areas within the parkland setting.

According to the council, the plans provide a “great opportunity” to open up walking and cycling routes through the park and along the River Colne.

Councillor Peter Taylor, responsible for client services, said: “The exciting plans for Oxhey Park North would provide a new space that can be enjoyed by the whole community. We are listening to everyone about the proposals.

“There really is something for everyone. We want as many people as possible to let us know what they think about these plans before we put in a formal planning application at a later stage.”

The council displayed its plans at Wellspring Church on Saturday, and is asking for people living in the locality to offer their opinions. You can leave feedback at www.watford.gov.uk/oxheyparknorth

Current proposals also include wider enhancements of the riverside area, with funding to be sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Landfill Tax.

Landscape architects Southern Green were commissioned to develop a plan centred on extreme sports which would encourage greater use of cycling in the town.