Improvements at parks across many communities as summer looms
A NETWORK of parks across several communities have been given upgrades, with more work planned at others.
It means residents in Darfield, Wombwell, Elsecar and Hoyland will have improved public spaces and play areas.
The work has been organised under the Love Where You Live programme in Barnsley.
That is a £2.1m project, resurrecting an idea first used around a decade previously to get meaningful changes in the heart of local communities.
In Darfield, work has been completed at Bly Road play area, where refreshed play equipment and additional seating have been installed.
At Hoyland Common, work has taken place at Tinker Lane play area, to make the area more useable for visitors.
Elsecar Park - already a flagship location which wins regular awards - has also benefited from works designed to support a more welcoming park environment.
That means better play equipment, as well as changes to the wider park area.
Work is ongoing at Wombwell Park, and will see the installation of a new zipwire near the park’s multi-use games area, alongside wider works to help improve how the park is used and enjoyed.
Cllr James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, and a Wombwell councillor, said:
“Our parks are places people return to time and again, whether that’s to play, to walk, or simply to spend time outdoors close to home.
“Through Love Where You Live, we’re taking a steady, thoughtful approach, looking at each area in turn and making sure the right work is happening in the right places.
“By continuing this programme across Darfield, Hoyland Milton, Rockingham and Wombwell, we’re looking after spaces that matter to local communities now, while also planning ahead for the future.”
Alongside parks work, Love Where You Live is supporting community enhancement projects in every ward across Barnsley, encouraging local pride and involvement in shared spaces.
The Dearne area has also benefitted, with work that includes repairs and restoration at St Helen’s Church in Thurnscoe, helping to ensure the church and its nearby hall, remain in good condition, and the Glowthorpe lantern festival which took place in Goldthorpe last autumn.
Other public buildings have also seen investment.