Story by Robert Almond and Peter Bull. Photos by @sammcqueen.ig for Salt Street productions
The Friends of Parkwood Springs and a number of other local groups have been working with the team set up by the Council to manage improvements at Parkwood Springs, to make sure local views have been taken into account. Significant work over the site will be starting soon.
Leading the Council’s team, Jon Dallow was on site on 19th March with drawings to show what will be happening. There will be more opportunities for you to comment. Email Jon at jon.dallow@sheffield.gov.uk
The main improvements:
A new café/Kiosk
- We expect it will initially open 4-5 days per week. The building will be timber clad with a green roof, and the Friends group have flagged the need for good and regular maintenance.
- There will be an application process to select someone to run this, and both the Council and the Friends Group are keen for this to be open to someone from the local community if possible.
Car park upgraded
- The car park will be upgraded, to make it safer and more attractive for visitors. This will not increase the overall size, but should provide more parking spaces, and the Friends Group has been separately lobbying to improve pedestrian access .
Toilets and baby changing facilities
- It will be much easier for events, school and other group visits and activities such as Park Runs to take place.
New storage units
- More attractive storage units for regular users
A major extension to the mountain bike trails
- These are well used, and the ambition is to add a number of new routes across the site to enable it to be a high-quality regional hub.
- There will also be new areas created for ‘learn to ride’ cyclists.
New and upgraded paths
- Upgrades to existing paths/new paths on the opening up of areas on the former landfill site. These will be of different standards – with some suitable for buggies/wheelchairs as well as casual and dog walkers.
Environmental improvements
- Parkwood has two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and some important wildlife habitats and ponds that will be improved and maintained.
A new programme of events
- Ideas are still needed for this, so please get in touch with the Friends Group or contact Jon Dallow.
New signage and interpretation boards
- Some improvements to the Park entrances are also planned.
A dedicated ranger post
- To support activities and conservation work. There is funding within the bid for a part-time (2-3 days) post which will be advertised soon.
Most of these improvements will be completed by September, a launch event is planned.
The Friends Group can be contacted at parkwood.springs@gmail.com
