Local residents and children have been campaigning against Council proposals to cut staff at Pitsmoor Adventure Playground and Verdon Recreation Centre.
Petition
Over 1400 signatures were collected and presented to the Cabinet meeting on 13th February. The Council proposal was to cut all staff and allow the buildings to be rented out. The playground was to be left open, like a park, and almost all the play equipment removed for health and safety reasons.
Protest
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground Users Group responded with a playful protest. Children and adults made signs saying, ‘don’t destroy our happiness, save our playground’. Friends Of Verdon Recreation Centre held a meeting with their local councillor.
Cuts decision scrutinised
Residents put their case to a Council Scrutiny Committee in February, stating that both facilities could be staffed using the £1million budget Activity Sheffield have for the city. However, the Scrutiny meeting recommended that core staff be cut, and that mobile staff should run a small number of sessions instead. The buildings would be managed by the Council’s Community Buildings Team.
Playground’s opening hours cut
Activity Sheffield are currently proposing that the playground’s opening times are reduced from 25 hours to 4 hours per week. Discussions are ongoing with the Council about increasing this. It has been agreed that the playground will not be converted into a park, but the big slide will still be removed as Activity Sheffield say it is too high to be safe.
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground Users Group will hold its AGM on Saturday 20th April, 2pm at Pitsmoor Adventure Playground. To find out more about Pitsmoor Adventure Playground Users Group, or Friends of Verdon Recreation Centre contact the Messenger.
Byron Wood pupils have written to the Councillors…