Sheffield’s parks, woodlands and countryside set for £400k boost

Green open space has become even more popular during the pandemic and the money will be spent on improving parks and woodlands.

As well as the money committed by the council, funding has been secured from external sources.

This includes two Heritage Lottery funded projects - the £1million cafe project in partnership with Age UK to transform the Old Coach House Building in Hillsborough Park, and the ongoing £3.75million conservation and restoration programme at Sheffield General Cemetery.

Coun Mary Lea, Cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, said: “Sheffield’s parks and green spaces have always been loved and celebrated by people living, working, studying in and visiting the city but since the pandemic began a year ago, they have become more important than ever."

Coun Lea highlighted the importance that the parks and woodlands have on residents' mental and physical wellbeing and said there were already plans in place for 2021/22 to further expand and improve outdoor facilities around the city.

These include Chelsea, Upper Hanover, Mortomley, Worrall, Philadelphia Gardens, Bolehills and Stannington, as well as brand new playgrounds for Woodthorpe, Westfield and Spider Park at Wisewood.

The council has commended the efforts of the staff who continue to carry out maintenance around the parks which includes maintaining and emptying 648 bins, maintaining and planting 5,486 flower beds, mowing grass the equivalent of 18,017 football pitches and cleaning playgrounds up to 200 times per week.