Barnsley continues to invest in children and young people as new Youth Activity Park opens

Barnsley's children and young people have a new and exciting space to enjoy following the opening of the Youth Activity Park earlier today.  

Situated next to the Base71 Youth Zone on Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, the site includes a skate park suitable for all levels, a beginner-friendly bike track, a pump track, new active travel routes, and a parkour area.  

The project, which has been supported by the government's Levelling Up Fund and almost half a million pounds from Sport England, has been co-designed in consultation with local children and young people to reflect their needs, aspirations and ideas.  

The opening event included an opportunity for Year Six students from Queen's Road Primary School to enjoy the park and watch a spectacular show from Team Extreme, an extreme sports display group.  

Councillor Ashley Peace, Cabinet spokesperson for Children's Services, said: "The Youth Activity Park is an outstanding new facility with the opportunity for our children and young people to participate in a variety of activities on site.  

"We've designed the space in collaboration with them and it's fantastic to see it open, starting with the pupils from Queen's Road Primary School this afternoon.  

"This is another example of our commitment to providing activities, opportunities and experiences for all our children and young people in Barnsley through the Great Childhoods Ambition.  

"Thanks to our MiCard scheme, which offers free bus travel for under 18s, and how close the park is to the interchange, they'll be able to get there for free. With Base71 also nearby, the town centre will be a hub of activity and a safe space for them to connect with their friends."  

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, added: "We're thrilled to see the Youth Activity Park open as we move into the spring months.  

"It's another example of how we've worked with the public, private and voluntary sectors to create a space which will enable local children and young people to get active, have fun, and build healthy habits for life.  

"My thanks go to all of the children and young people who fed into the survey which helped us to design the park, as well as the contractors and funding partners who have made this exciting project a reality."  

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Sport England's Executive Director for Partnerships and Place, said: “The youth activity park is a credit to the people of Barnsley. Co-designed with the children and young people of Barnsley, this is what our work in place is all about - giving local communities a voice and letting them shape the solutions to getting active. 

“Our work in Barnsley goes beyond this park – we’re committed to the area, partnering and collaborating with trusted organisations and the local community, to create more opportunities for people to be active so that the people of Barnsley can lead healthier lives for longer.” 

The Great Childhoods Ambition is our commitment to improving the lives and futures of our children and young people. We'll support them to have a great childhood and ensure they feel they belong, and can explore, dream, grow and connect. For more information, visit barnsley.gov.uk/greatchildhoods.