A children’s play area created in partnership with Kirklees Council, the Friends of Beaumont Park and the community was officially opened this weekend
The Friends of Beaumont Park in partnership with council Parks Development Officers worked together from inception to completion, including consultation with schools, local organisations, children and young people, park users and non-park users on designs and ideas for the new play area.
A mix of traditional equipment and natural play areas were incorporated into the design including boulders, rope pull ups, a variety of swings, slides and roundabouts including wheelchair accessible and other inclusive play features. A replacement was also commissioned for a much loved piece of play equipment which was deemed no longer fit for purpose, reflecting feedback gathered from communities.
The scheme was made possible by contributions of over £196k from the council’s 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.
Officially opened by the Mayor of Kirklees, the new play area is already a huge hit with families.
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.”
He continued, “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 council’s 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,” she added.
