A children’s play area that was created in partnership with ourselves, the Friends of Beaumont Park and the community, officially opened this weekend.
The Friends of Beaumont Park in partnership with our Parks Development Officers worked together from inception to completion. This includes working on consultations with schools, local organisations, children and young people, park users and non-park users. To get feedback on the designs and ideas for the new play area.
What are the changes?
A mixture of traditional equipment and natural play areas have been incorporated into the design. This includes objects such as boulders, rope pull-ups, a variety of swings, slides and roundabouts. Including wheelchair accessible and other inclusive play features. We also commissioned a replacement for a much-loved piece of play equipment which was deemed no longer fit for purpose, reflecting on feedback that we gathered from communities.
How was this funded?
This scheme was made possible by contributions of over £196k. From our Playable Spaces programme alongside additional funding of over £74k, raised by the Friends of Beaumont Park, which included over £24k from the West Riding Masonic Charities Limited towards funding equipment for those with disabilities.
The play area was officially opened by the Mayor of Kirklees, and is already a huge hit with local families.
A great example of working together
The Mayor of Kirklees Councillor Masood Ahmed, said:
“This is an incredible achievement and shows what can be done with joined up working between communities, volunteers, and the council.
“Huge congratulations need to go to the council team for their vision and support in this partnership, to trustees and volunteers from the Friends Group for their contribution in helping to raise additional funds to realise this dream, and the community for their ideas, involvement and their patience in making this a reality.
“I’m sure it will be a place that will provide so much enjoyment and memories for many generations to come.”
The design of the play area was completed by the our Landscape Architect Team with procurement and installation also completed and managed by the council.
Councillor Naheed Mather, Cabinet Member for Environment said:
“It is great to see the play park officially opened and the vision for the space realised.
“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership working and hope the park brings joy to many people and families in and around the local area.”