Story: Rob Smith
With the help of the Burngreave Park Rangers, members of the Prince’s Trust Volunteers and the Friends of Osgathorpe Park the redevelopment of the Park has begun.
“We’ve painted the pavilion and playground and done a lot of scrub clearance Rob,” explained Park Ranger, Jenny Crick.
Karl Bacon, of the Prince’s Trust Volunteers based at the old Firth Park library, explained the work had been done as part of a course for young people from all over Sheffield.
The full-time, 12-week course aims to provide a wide range of skills and experience to young people aged 16–25. It includes a residential week, outdoor pursuits, careers development and work with different community groups.
I spoke to Nathan Dobson from the Manor, who said he’d been on the course for six weeks, “I’ve been abseiling, water rafting, and caving. I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”
Kelly Taylor, aged 16, said she really enjoyed the project but found the painting a bit boring. “I live in Pitsmoor,” said Kelly “And I’m looking forward to the Osgathorpe Festival, we’ve all done a lot of work to tidy up the place.”
Alex Hall, 17, explained how the project had helped occupy his day, “If we weren’t doing this I guess we’d be getting up to mischief or watching telly.”
Mathew Parker from Totley said it had turned out much better than he’d thought. “I did the residential and completed the health walk, but I didn’t do abseiling because I’m scared of heights.”
“The programme came about through the Burngreave Green Environment Programme which is developing green spaces in Burngreave,” explained Rachel Kerr project development worker. “I’m very pleased with the work the Prince’s Trust Volunteers have put in over the last two weeks.”
For more information contact Burngreave Green Environment Programme on 278 9651.