Chapeltown
Residents in Chapeltown are now benefitting from free exercise equipment.
Councillors Jane Dowson, Mohammed Rafique and Eileen Taylor (Labour, Chapel Allerton) and colleagues on the Inner North East Area Committee are delighted to announce that free adult exercise equipment in Norma Hutchinson Park has now been installed.
Local Councillors have supported this work following suggestions from community members interested in creating an outdoor gym in the Park. The existing play area was being used by adults for exercise but the location was not appropriate. By adding custom-built equipment, community groups and Councillors have created a healthy space for working out and socialising. This will not only provide a free and convenient way for adults to keep fit, but also gives the play area back to local children.
A steering group of local residents, Councillors, Groundwork Leeds, Council staff from Parks & Countryside and Area Support and the Chapeltown Creative Physical Training group was set up to manage and drive the project.
The work, which cost £25,000, includes 10 items of top-of-the-range fitness equipment, along with grass matting, new seating and signs. Funding was also secured from Unity Housing, Connect Housing, the local Housing Leeds Area Panel and Newground Together.
The gym is now open and many residents have already made use of the excellent facilities. Councillor Dowson visited the gym along with Councillors Eileen Taylor and Kamila Maqsood.
Councillor Jane Dowson (Labour, Chapel Allerton) said:
“This is a win-win result for the residents of Chapeltown. Not only have we been able to provide free exercise equipment to help adults to be active, but the children’s play area is now free again for children to use. It’s fantastic that the gym is now open and my thanks go to everyone involved in completing the project. We have ensured that all residents, young and old, can enjoy Norma Hutchinson Park as a place for socialising and exercise, which is something we should all be proud of.”
Holbeck
A £50k programme to improve Holbeck Moor playground has been completed and been opened by local Councillors.
Councillors David Congreve and Adam Ogilvie (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) were delighted to be invited to open the new facilities along with pupils from the nearby Ingram Road Primary School.
The improvements, completed by the Council’s Parks & Countryside Service, include new swings, climbing frames, a slide, merry-go-round and see saw. Funding was secured from the Councillors’ Ward Based Initiative (WBI) fund and the Inner South Area Committee.
Holbeck Moor playground was in serious need of some new equipment and the Councillors are sure local families will welcome the changes.
Councillor David Congreve (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) said:
“After working for a long time to secure improvements for Holbeck Moor playground it is fantastic that the new equipment has now been installed. It was great to see the improvements first hand with local school children and I am sure this will make Holbeck Moor more popular for local residents.”
Beeston
Councillor David Congreve (Labour, Beeston and Holbeck) has spearheaded efforts to secure investment of around £50,000 from Leeds City Council in Cross Flatts Park.
This financial boost has seen a modern climbing unit, seesaw and roundabout installed, as well as a brand new set of swings.
All of the new equipment has been sited on a pliable rubber crumb surface which is both aesthetically pleasing and safe for young children. It is hoped that the changes will see even greater use of the park by the local community.
Councillor David Congreve (Labour, Beeston and Holbeck) said:
“Cross Flatts Park is a fantastic green space right in the heart of our community and I’m delighted we have been able to secure the funding for these much needed improvements. The play area was beginning to look a little tired and it’s really important that we provide high quality recreational facilities, particularly as we head into the warmer months. The new equipment has already been hugely popular with local children and I’m confident that the changes made will see the park thrive long into the future.”
Middleton
The 630 acre Middleton Park in South Leeds recently underwent a £2.2million refurbishment which saw the opening of a modern, multi-purpose visitor centre as well as a host of other improvements including public toilets a brand new performance space.
In 2013 alone there were over 8,300 visitors to the new on-site café and around 125 people volunteered their time to keep the facilities open, many of these people receiving quality training in skills such as first aid and food hygiene.
The recent improvements have seen residents and users of Middleton Park benefit from a range of community, sporting and educational activities but with the warmer weather on its way there is certainly a lot more to come.
Councillor Kim Groves (Labour, Middleton Park) said:
“Middleton Park is one of the jewels of South Leeds and the refurbishment and development that has taken place in recent times has seen it thrive. I’m really pleased that the new visitor centre has been so well used, and the other additions have improved the visitor experience as a whole. If you are looking for somewhere to exercise or a free day out with your kids this summer then Middleton Park is the place to be.”
Whinmoor
Councillors Peter Gruen, Pauleen Grahame and Debra Coupar (Labour, Cross Gates & Whinmoor) are delighted to announce that improvements to Fieldhead Carr Playing Fields have now begun.
The proposed design for the play area includes brand new slides, climbing frames, swings, see-saws, merry-go-rounds, a zip line and other play equipment installed.
The area will be landscaped with new trees and flowerbeds and will include new footpaths, litter bins, benches and picnic tables.
Councillor Gruen hopes that these improvements will help to make Fieldhead Carr even more popular with local residents and their children.
Councillor Peter Gruen (Labour, Cross Gates & Whinmoor) said:
“I’m really glad that our plans to rejuvenate the Fieldhead Carr Playing Fields are now coming to fruition. This work will create an area which provides local children with a great place to play close to home. Local play areas are so important for children to learn valuable new skills about friendship, teamwork and doing exciting things whilst making sure they do not get hurt.”
“It’s great to get out to the site and see work commencing on these much needed improvements.”
