New community-led play park for families with young children opens in Thornbury
A pocket play park officially opened last week on land owned by Incommunities in Thornbury. The area has been regenerated to provide a much-needed play area for families with young children.
Better Place has been working with Incommunities housing association and community groups to improve green spaces in areas across the South and East of Bradford City. The park at Burlington Avenue benefits from interactive sculptures, stepping stones and newly planted trees and flowers. It was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and will be maintained by Incommunities in the years to come.
Following engagement with the local community and feedback from local families, plans were developed and the park is now ready to be enjoyed by families with young children.
Better Place is a Better Start Bradford project that is being delivered in collaboration with Bradford Council, Bradford Trident, Groundwork UK, Public Health, voluntary and community sector groups and local people.
The aim of the project is to provide a healthier and happier environment for babies, young children and families. The Better Place project is also finding ways to reduce exposure to harmful traffic fumes for pregnant women and small children.
Sally Watts, director of neighbourhoods at Incommunities said "We are delighted to be involved in regenerating this area and brining the pocket park to Thornbury. We hope that many children will enjoy using the space which has been transformed from waste land to a lovely play area."
Adele Adams, project manager at Better Place said "The Burlington Avenue site was underused but close to houses where lots of families live. It felt a wasted opportunity not to redesign and transform the site as a playful space on people’s doorsteps. It has been lovely working with Incommunities as they know the area and residents well and their existing relationships helped us to really connect with the local community."
