“Central part of the community”: Rotherham councillor voices pride in Rosehill Park
The councillor spoke of the new outdoor gym equipment at the park, as well as future priorities.
A Rotherham councillor has voiced her pride in efforts made to improve health and wellbeing in the town, with new tennis courts and outdoor gym equipment installed at a local park.
Councillor Joanna Baker-Rogers, who represents Rawmarsh West and serves as cabinet member for adult social care and health at the council, said the facilities in Rosehill Victoria Park are making a difference.
“These courts are brand new and were finally refurbished in June this year,” she said.
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The tennis courts were installed following a grant from the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) Parks Tennis initiative, allowing for resurfaced courts, new nets and posts, and upgraded fencing.
A year-round programme of coached tennis activities has since been introduced to encourage people to keep active.
“The park is a really central part of the community, it’s positioned for everybody so both parts of the community in Rawmarsh West and East have access.”
Improvements to the park’s playground area have also been carried out.
“Things like putting the outdoor gym equipment out, that was led by councillors because it aligned with our ward priorities, one of which is health and wellbeing,” she said.
Coun Baker-Rogers says community initiatives are a big part of improving the lives of residents.
“There’s always groups that are approaching us to fund them, such as groups who want to do summer trips or need some new kits for sports they’re doing,” she said.
“As councillors we always want to hear about our local groups and their projects. If we can help them, we certainly will.”
She said residents’ concerns are also a priority.
“We’ve got our ward priorities which include reducing anti-social behaviour, supporting local heritage, health and wellbeing.
“Residents talk to us about antisocial behaviour, we obviously want to crack down on that as much as we can.”