Colley Park set for playground transformation

colley park improvememt team

Colley Park in Parson Cross is about to get a makeover as part of the council’s ongoing work to improve parks and playgrounds across Sheffield, as work has begun on site this week.

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A range of improvements are being carried out including children’s play equipment, a mini bike and scooter track and a steel and concrete parkour free running area.

The park is close to several local areas including Parson Cross, Ecclesfield and Southey. Locals gave their views about what they wanted at the park through consultation, taking place with people from these communities, Monteney Primary School, Chaucer School and Yewlands Academy. The results showed a great need for more activities for young people in the area.

Last year the parks and countryside service began the initial phase of works at Colley Park, removing old equipment and improving the park’s boundaries, as well as planting and maintaining trees.

Through the improvements Sheffield City Council aims to provide much needed new facilities for the surrounding communities, with many opportunities for local people – particularly the younger generation - to be physically active and enjoy the outdoors. Evidence from other improved sites has also shown that better facilities and higher visitor numbers reduces anti-social behaviour and makes people feel safer.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “The improvements to Colley Park will transform this green space in to an adventure playground for people of all ages. Whether it’s scrambling on the play equipment, free running on the parkour course, razzing around the bike track or simply walking the dog, there will be plenty of opportunities to get active, have fun and enjoy being outdoors. 

“We know that quality green spaces have a direct positive impact on people’s mental and physical health and we are working hard to address inequalities across the city to make sure everyone has access to a park that provides leisure and activity, is well maintained and safe. 

“The works we are completing here will deliver on all of those priorities and I’d like to thank Councillors Tony Damms and Andy Bainbridge for their commitment to making sure this happens. I’m sure Colley will become a favourite meeting point for many people in the surrounding areas and I’m really excited to see the new improved park.” 

Works have started on site at Colley Park

The project is funded by S106 Planning Gain funding from the nearby Parson Green Housing Development and a £40,000 contribution from the parks and countryside Public Health budget. 12 other parks in the city have already benefited from this funding and eight more are planned for improvements over the coming months.

Alongside the new facilities, there will also be repairs to existing ball court fencing, new seating and litter bins, improvements to the car park area and CCTV.

Contractors Lightmain, the UK's leading supplier in multi-use-games-areas are working with local track experts Bike Track and Parkour construction experts Natural Sport to deliver the scheme. Works are expected to be complete by November 2019.