Story & photos: Erin Blythe
Pitsmoor Adventure Playground showed its value to the community when it held a Family Fun Day on 20th April.
Up to 200 people visited during the course of the day, many regulars but some who had never been before. A bouncy castle had been hired for the day, but all the regular equipment was in use too (except the big slide which is too dangerous) and MC Nige was demonstrating dance moves in the activity room.
My friends Danica (DD Dog) and Lottie (Carlotta) helped me to interview lots of kids and adults to see what they liked about the playground. Carter told us: “I like the bouncy castle and the zip wire.” Anika and Saif liked the bouncy castle too, and thought new equipment could make it even better. Abbas said that “this is the best playground I like!” Asea had been busy making pancakes in the mud kitchen, she told us
“I feel bad that the playground might close. I won't know what to do. Playing in the street is boring, this is a much more fun place and it's safer.”
The day brought back fond memories for Sam:
“I remember my grandma doing a sponsored walk to raise money for this playground years ago. I first came when I was about 10. I'm now in Stannington and it's the first time I've visited since I was a kid, but I've brought my 3 year old son and he's loving it! I used to volunteer here, I helped build the big slide with my dad. I'll be gutted if it closes.”
Laura Watkins chairs the playground's users’ group who are in discussions with the Council about the playground's opening hours. Until recently the playground was open for 25 hours each week, but now cuts to Activity Sheffield staffing mean it is only open for 9 hours. The users’ group are trying to persuade the Council to provide more staff time, and work with others to put on additional activities.
