THE mother of a teenager who was killed on a Nottingham road is set to officially open a £74,000 park in his memory.
Ashton Hazell died aged 15 after being hit by a car in Low Wood Road, Bulwell, in May 2004. It is believed the former River Leen School pupil, known as Ash, had stepped into the road to retrieve a basketball he was bouncing along the pavement.
Eight years after his death, his mother, Diane Good, 42, of Corben Gardens, Bulwell, is proud to be opening a park in his memory.
She has worked with environmental group Groundwork and the Friends of Snape Wood Nature Reserve to improve Ashton Park, in Snape Wood Road, which was renamed in tribute to Ashton.
Miss Good, who works as a chef at a care home, said: "The whole family is still struggling with Ashton's death but the park does help because at least kids have got somewhere safe to be playing.
"This park was important to Ashton and he was constantly moaning to the council and committees about not having a basketball court.
"We found out just before he died that they'd agreed to install one, so that's why they decided to name it after him.
"I am proud to say that Ashton Park is designated to our son's memory, and know that many children will enjoy using the new equipment and are safe doing so, knowing that he wouldn't have died in vain."
A basketball court, opened in memory of Ashton, who played for the Nottingham Youth Basketball Club, was installed in 2007. There is also play equipment for younger children.
The latest funding, which came from the Biffa Award and Wren (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited), which are funded by landfill tax credits, has made the park more accessible to older children, with eight new pieces of play equipment aimed at youngsters aged eight and over.
New fencing and side panels for the basketball court have also been installed.
The improvements made to the park were chosen after consultation with residents, with Nottingham City Council supporting the process.
David Trimble, the council's portfolio holder for leisure, culture and tourism, said: "I am very pleased that we have been able to work with partners to bring this to completion.
"These improvements have given older children a great place for play and sport and honour Ashton's memory."
A celebration event to formally open the park will take place on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Sports events, activities and refreshments will all be available.
