Story by Neill Schofield | Photos by Friends of Parkwood Springs and Bernadette O’Callaghan
The pandemic has had a big effect on both Parkwood Springs and the Friends Group. On the positive side, it has meant that many people of all ages and backgrounds have discovered and enjoyed Parkwood Springs for the first time.
During lockdown we saw a dramatic increase in visitors. Now that people are back at work and school and can go further afield, numbers have fallen – but we still see a far greater number and variety of people than we did before. More people enjoying the site responsibly is great news.
Meanwhile the restoration of the closed landfill site, the redevelopment of the Ski Village site and the Upper Don Cycle Trail Project along the bottom of Parkwood Springs are continuing and we might soon see some firm proposals about the Ski Village.
We have been cautiously re-starting some activities, including volunteer sessions on the second and third Saturday of the month. Anyone is welcome: we strictly follow social distancing and other safety rules.
We also took part in September in the Sheffield Heritage Open Days, with walks telling people some of the history of the site. People came from all over the city and beyond. An even wider audience will be able to learn about Parkwood Springs this autumn thanks to an ITV Calendar programme about the site, on air 15th October.
Unfortunately, we cannot hold the October Lantern Procession this year due to Covid safety concerns. But we hope very much to be back in 2021. Meanwhile, we are considering an open meeting on Zoom soon, for anyone interested in catching up with what is going on. Email us at parkwood.springs@gmail.com if you would like the link.
