Barnsley secures £270,000 funding to transform three community playgrounds

We have successfully secured £270,000 of Government funding to improve three playgrounds across the borough, giving more children and families access to safe, inclusive play spaces close to home.

The funding has been awarded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Playground Fund. The national programme aims to improve children’s access to safe, accessible and inclusive playgrounds in areas of greatest need, with Barnsley one of 66 local authorities in England selected to receive funding.

The three playground sites identified for investment are:

• Millennium Green, Grimethorpe

• California Play Area, Staincross

• Merrill Road Play Area, Thurnscoe

The sites were selected 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 assessment also considered where this funding could complement our wider £2.1 million Love Where You Live parks improvement programme, helping to broaden the reach of investment and support more communities across the borough.

The funding will support improvements that create welcoming, inclusive and free-to-access play spaces for children of all ages and abilities. We will also be inviting children, parents, carers and local residents to be involved in shaping 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.”

The £270,000 grant will be invested over the next two years, with all projects due to be completed by March 2028. We will share more details on the planned improvements and how local people can get involved as each project develops.