New play facilities for families in Westfield
Local people in Westfield are set to enjoy long-awaited playground facilities in Westfield from this Saturday, when the playground has its official opening. Residents formed a local community group, ‘Let’s Get Westfield a Park’, and after much hard work the new facilities are now a reality.
Through the Westfield Big Local (Lottery Community Fund), £108,000 was awarded for the playground, with Sheffield City Council adding a further £75,000 for the development. Our contribution was made up of £45,000 of Public Health funding, £15,000 from the Parks Improvement Fund and £15,000 from Housing Services.
Local mum and member of “Let’s Get Westfield a Park”, Jody Turner, said:
"We've been working on this project for a number of years now, but in the last couple of years with the support from local council departments, we've really got things taking shape.
"Year on year the local residents have been screaming their need for somewhere to take their children to burn off some energy, to enjoy the outdoors, and to forge friendships. I'm so excited that as a group, we are so close to giving this to the community. As a parent, I'm looking forward to taking my children to the park and making new friendships with local parents too."
The new playground is part of a wider project led by local residents and supported by Westfield Big Local, local councillors and other partners working in the neighbourhood. ‘Let’s Get Westfield a Park’ community group has worked for a number of years to bring the project forward including carrying out community consultation to help design the new facility.
Mike Peat, Chair of Westfield Big Local, said:
"The Westfield Community have got the park they asked for in 2013. Big thanks for sticking with the task."
The new playground includes a range of play equipment for different ages and abilities including swings, a wheelchair accessible roundabout, multi climbing unit with slide and play panels. New tarmac footpaths have been installed through the playground, as well as a scooter track, a seating area and tree planting. The play area is fenced to ensure safety from nearby roads.
Councillor Alison Teal, Executive Member for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, Wellbeing and Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffielders have always been proud and grateful for the abundance of green space and play facilities that we have across the city, but the pandemic has made us all appreciate them even more. We understand the strong links between quality outdoor spaces and activities, and physical and mental wellbeing and the importance of investing in our local parks.”
Councillor Paul Wood, Executive Member for Housing at Sheffield City Council, said: “The new playground will be a fantastic addition to Westfield estate, and it’s with thanks to those in the community, Councillor Tony Downing and everyone involved in the Partnership who have worked so hard to make this possible. I can’t wait to see this project get off the ground, with support and input from the local people it will serve.”
For more information contact our Housing Service on 0114 205 3333.
Contact Parks and Countryside service at parksandcountryside@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 2500 500.
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