JUST under two years ago, Wilthorpe Park was an unloved and underused space.
Today, it boasts a new children’s play area, planting areas, seating and a picnic table and hosts a range of community events.
And it’s all down to the hard work of the Friends of Wilthorpe Park.
The group was formed almost two years ago when chairman Rebecca Parsons moved to the area.
It has now been put forward for a Proud of Barnsley award.
Rebecca, 32, of Woodstock Road, Wilthorpe, said: “It’s brilliant to be nominated, just amazing. When I look back to when we first started, it was really hard work. There was just five of us and some weekends only one person would turn up, or nobody would turn up - it was soul destroying.
“But now we go and it’s amazing. The atmosphere on Saturday; little kids come, people are swapping plants and bringing vegetables for each other. There is a real sense of community spirit. We’ve all got a common interest which is to look after the park. It’s really nice to take the kids and know I’ve helped in its future.”
Rebecca had contacted local councillors to see if there was a ‘friends’ group, and set one up when she learned there wasn’t.
The play area was one of its main priorities. Much of the equipment had to be removed for health and safety reasons and the group put in a successful bid to WREN. An event to open the park was held a couple of months ago and there is also a Saturday morning gardening club which attracts regular volunteers.
The park now features equipment for children such as swings, playground spinners which children hang on to and are spun around and a natter tube which children can talk to each other through. There are also lots of floor markings, such as a big snakes and ladders board and a cycle path to help children learn to ride their bikes and learn road safety.
“I can’t believe how much we have done in the last two years. We’re holding quite a few events and have got our own Facebook page where we advertise our opportunities and people can upload their photos,” added Rebecca.
Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle
