Sheffield's best bits: Resident Jonny Hopkinson on why city needs more things for teenagers
“Most of the things are either in the city centre or one-off things that people can’t really revisit”
Name: Jonny Hopkinson
Age: 15
Neighbourhood: Beauchief
Tell us a bit about yourself in 50 words
I am someone who loves to play and watch football, video games, and go out with friends. I go to Mercia School in Nether Edge, and am currently studying for my GCSEs, hoping to eventually become a journalist. I also like spending time with my family and my dog, who I love very much.
What is your most cherished personal memory of Sheffield and why?
I am not sure about this one, but going to the pantomime every year with my grandparents and my sister was definitely amazing and is a tradition that I will always remember fondly. I always used to look forward to going to the Lyceum to see it and definitely miss going every Christmas.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Sheffield and why?
I love Doughtruck Pizzeria on Abbeydale road – they make really nice pizza and also have great, friendly staff.
If you were tempting a visitor to Sheffield for the first time, what would you highlight?
If I was tempting a visitor to Sheffield, I would probably highlight the vast Peak District that the city is neighbouring, that people travel across the world for.
Which park or green space do you love the most and why?
My favourite green space in Sheffield would probably be Woodseats playground at the bottom of Graves Park, especially after many hours playing football there with friends when I was younger. Nowadays, however, I enjoy spending a lot of time playing at the football pitch near Chancet Wood.
If we could grant one wish to improve Sheffield, what would it be and why?
If I could have a wish granted about Sheffield then I would probably wish for more things for people my age to do, especially outside of the city centre and closer to people’s homes. Most of the things are either in the city centre or one-off things that people can’t really revisit. A lot of people my age just spend time inside or doing the same things, especially if they are not particularly sporty.
Why are you proud to be a Sheffielder?
I think I’m proud of being from Sheffield because of the clear community that is present in this city. I think this is clearly shown throughout the city and even in my own neighbourhood.
What does Sheffield do better than anywhere else?
I think that Sheffield has some of the best green spaces, especially considering that there are so many of them. It seems that wherever you go there are trees everywhere, even in the city centre, and there are lots of parks in every neighbourhood.