Barnsley Council has secured £270,000 of Government funding to improve three playgrounds across the borough. The funding has been awarded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's Playground Fund, a national programme that selected 66 local authorities in England.
The three sites identified for investment are Millennium Green in Grimethorpe, California Play Area in Staincross, and Merrill Road Play Area in Thurnscoe.
How Sites Were Selected
The playgrounds were chosen following a detailed assessment of need and deprivation, the condition of existing equipment, accessibility and inclusion, community impact, and deliverability within the funding timescales. The council also considered where the funding could complement its wider £2.1 million Love Where You Live parks improvement programme.
What the Investment Will Deliver
The funding will support improvements that create welcoming, inclusive and free-to-access play spaces for children of all ages and abilities. Children, parents, carers and local residents will be invited to help shape the design and development of each playground.
Councillor David Goddard, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Transport, said: "This is fantastic news for Barnsley. Every child should have access to good-quality places to play, close to where they live. This funding will help us improve three playgrounds in communities that have not seen the same level of recent investment, creating better spaces for children and families to play, be active and spend time outdoors."
Timeline
The £270,000 grant will be invested over the next two years, with all projects due to be completed by March 2028. Further details on the planned improvements and how local people can get involved will be shared as each project develops.
