Welcome to the Advent Calendar, day 21. The untapped potential of the Ashton Road play area, what would be coming?
I’m a big believer in local democracy and empowering local voices. Those in power should hear what we say and welcome that voice. In November, they showed us another example of them listening. I also believe in healthier green spaces, more plants, and more places for kids to play and have fun. I believe in many things, and I’ll own up to that, but they’re all important.
For over a decade, local residents have called for the play area on Ashton Road to be improved. Park and play spaces in the area are vital, but they need to be functional, cared for, safe and fun for kids, so they want to use them. In November, a consultation opened after some funding was allocated towards improvements.
The council has allocated some funding to refurbish the play area, and have come up with a design to plant more foliage, install new climbing frames, clean up and repaint the old equipment and instal new coloured matting.
The consultation has now closed, and the opinions are being considered. You can keep an eye on the process at the project website.
Lastly I want to include a post that Karen Parnaby Harris shared who lays open the problem, and the need for these changes. She’s covered the challenges and reasons why it’s important far better than I ever could
https://www.facebook.com/groups/harehillsinbloom/permalink/1565469980568637/
So here’s the thing, it’s vital we get the work to refurbish the play area, but it’s also vital that the community takes care of the play area once the refurbishments happen. So it can be what it’s meant to be, a place for young people to come, play, and enjoy.
The good news is the consultation that took place, the better news is the potential for good things to come. I’m looking forward to it.
There’s an email subscription on the website for the consultation, if you want to hear when the project moves onto the next stage, and what has been decided.
Harehills ❤️ Love 
Leave a comment