Pitsmoor Adventure Playground
Story & photos: Aislinn Adams, Fran Belbin & Patrick Meleady
It's been all go at Pitsmoor Adventure Playground in the last few months, with lots happening for young people to get involved with.
Fire safety – free smoke alarms for local homes
The team have been working hard with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue to devise a range of fire safety awareness events and road shows, including a visit from a working fire engine. Young people have been learning to respect fire, and got lots of practice over the winter in lighting, managing and putting out campfires. They also learned how to prevent fires in the home, and the importance of knowing your escape route and smoke alarms.
Playground staff are working with the fire service to ensure local people have access to fire safety equipment and checks.
Patrick Meleady, Playground Manager, said:
“We have a fantastic team of people on hand that speak community languages and are willing to support you with securing free smoke alarms and home fire safety checks. Pitsmoor Adventure Playground staff are happy to arrange the home visits and will accompany the Fire Service throughout the home visits if required.”
School holiday events
February half-term included Pancake Day, where children had the chance to practise their flipping skills, as well as Chinese New Year. The kids had made lots of decorations for the Year of the Ram, and welcomed Chinese Lion Dancers to the playground. Local artist Patrick Amber was also on site during half-term helping children to plant, weave and tie together willow rods to form a living dome and tunnel that should take root and grow into a leafy place to play over the summer.
The playground will be open and putting on more events between 12.30 and 3.30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during the Easter holidays. Details about opening times and more are on our website, https://pitsmooradventureplayground.wordpress.com/
Fund-raising
The playground is now being managed by local residents through a charity, who are busy raising funds to develop the site. Everybody misses the big slide, which had to be removed for safety reasons, so the Slide Appeal aims to raise £5000 for a new, massive slide! The trustees and kids were excited to receive a £500 donation from Arches Housing. Housing officer Andrea Golding said,“We are delighted to be contributing towards the new slide which will expand the activities the playground offer.” A contribution has also been made from ward funds, and the children themselves have been working hard by bag packing at Tesco on Savile Street to raise donations. Volunteer Jay Green raised £170 by having squishy tomatoes thrown at him! Other planned activities include a sponsored half marathon by local parent Chris Taylor. At the time of writing about £4000 has been raised towards the slide, so we hope to see it on site before too long!
Future of the playground
The playground trustees will sign the lease for the playground before the end of March, which means they will take on the full running costs of the site. Yanina Koszalinski, Chair of the charity, said:
“Taking on full responsibility for the site will bring new possibilities. With the commitment of our users, volunteers, staff and supporters we intend to develop the playground to provide even more play opportunities for young people in our neighbourhood.”
To arrange a fire safety home visit, to donate or suggest a fund-raising activity for the playground please contact Patrick or Fran, 0114 273 7121, or email info@pitsmooradventure.org