Westfield To Get New Playground Following Campaign By Local Families

New Westfield playground gets go ahead following long campaign by local residents.

Westfield to get a new playground

Residents of Sheffield’s Westfield area are celebrating after long-awaited plans for a new playground were approved.

The new play facilities will be built in a parcel of land off of Westfield Northway, opposite Shortbrook Primary School.

£183,000 of funds have been raised for the project, including £108,000 from the Westfield Big Local Fund. £75,000 will be contributed by Sheffield City Council made up of £45,000 public health funding, £15,000 from Parks Improvement Fund and £15,000 from Housing Services.

“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.

“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.”Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure

Long campaign to get Westfield a park

Residents in Westfield have been campaigning for a park for several years, having formed the ‘Let’s Get Westfield A Park’ community group.

The group have been campaigning since around 2013 and carried out community consultations to help design the new facilities.

The new playground has become a reality thanks to the perseverance of those campaigners helping to get local councillors on side and partnering with groups such as Westfield Big Local.

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“The Westfield Community have got the Park they asked for in 2013…. BIG THANKS for sticking with the task.”Mike Peat, Chair of Westfield Big Local

A wide range of equipment is planned for the new park including swings, an accessible roundabout, multi climbing unit and a scooter track.

All ages and abilities are said to be catered for. New paths will be built connecting the park, which will include a seating area. Additionally, the park will be fenced off to protect it from the nearby roadway.

“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.” Jody, Local mum and member of Lets Get Westfield a Park

The project is currently being put out to tender and construction on the park is set to begin in May 2021.

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