Wakefield playground reopens after £50K make-over

​Slides for both younger and junior school aged children, a basket swing, as well as rocking, balancing and spinning play equipment, are amongst the new features.

A new safety surface has a themed pathway showing farm animals depicting the town's history, along with new bins, benches and signage. A new kick-a-bout area with junior football posts has been added to the adjacent grass area.

Cloun Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities, said: "The new improved play area is the only one in the area and it will be a great place for families and for young people to enjoy this summer and beyond.

"This a fantastic example of how the community, local councillors and the council can work together and access funding from private housing developments to improve life for local people."

The project was supported by local councillors and a group of residents from Kirkhamgate Community Association & the Scarecrow Festival Committee.

Funding has come through the council's Local Capital Grant allocation, match funded by Wakefield Council. Funds were also contributed back into the community from housing development agreements.

Coun Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth at Wakefield Council, said: "This approach to funding has the support of ward councillors and partners and it is making a difference to the community. The playground has been transformed and is magnificent. It will be great to know that it will be enjoyed by so many children and families for years to come."

The Local Capital Grants programme sees £50,000 allocated, annually, to each of the council's 21 wards to fund projects that will improve the lives of local residents.

Ward councillors work closely with residents, voluntary and community groups to identify projects which will benefit their local communities. The project has been supported by Coun Charlie Keith, Coun Martin Johnson and Coun Nic Stansby.

The council are asking parents visiting playgrounds to supervise their children at all times and do their best to give each other as much space as possible.

It is also vitally important to wash their hands after using the play area and please do not visit if children, or anyone in the household, have any coronavirus symptoms to help everyone stay safe.

Everyone is reminded that if they are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if they or anyone in their household are self-isolating, they should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.

Residents can find up to date information on the Council's dedicated coronavirus information web page at www.wakefield.gov.uk/stayingsafe