Doncaster Invests in Parks and Open Spaces to Enhance Community Wellbeing

 
Significant funding has been allocated to improve recreational areas across the city by enhancing accessibility and infrastructure after positive community engagement.

The Doncaster Future Parks programme is working across 15 parks and green spaces, ensuring that residents and visitors benefit from safer and more welcoming areas. Improvements are guided by an evidence-based approach that prioritises community input, with a focus on both physical infrastructure and increased engagement in outdoor activities.

One of the key sites benefiting from this initiative is Peacock Park in Stainforth. Enhancements will include improved accessibility, additional seating, and upgraded lighting to create a safer and more welcoming environment. New tree planting and wildflower meadows will further enrich the landscape. A collective project with local primary schools will also result in a bespoke entrance feature off East Lane, transforming the park’s gateway. Work is scheduled to commence this week and should be complete before the end of March.

Mayor Ros Jones emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping these spaces, stating: “This park, along with the others in the Future Parks programme, demonstrates our commitment to listening to local voices and delivering improvements to these vital community assets. These are their spaces, and we want people of all ages to help shape the future of our parks. Investing in our parks ensures they remain vibrant for generations to come.”

Improvements are not just restricted to Stainforth. Below is a summary of how many other parks are progressing:

• Grove Park – Following consultation, plans are currently being drawn up
• Town Field – Further works are planned following additional funding. Concept designs can be expected soon.
• Highfields Country Park - following engagement, plans are developing, with the current focus looking to create Doncaster’s first pump track.
• Thorne Memorial Park – Consultation is well underway to how the park can look and how community engagement can support further investment in the park. 
• Hexthorpe Park – Multi-award-winning green space has been flagship venue for Future Parks programme and is nearing completion.

Notable upgrades have also taken place at Edlington Pit Wood, Campsall Country Park and The Crags (Denaby), where the changes to the appearance and accessibility of these sites can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Another key site set to benefit is Denaby Memorial Park, which will receive funding to upgrade play equipment and increase recreational opportunities. Cllr Nigel Ball (Cabinet Member for Public Health and Ward Councillor for Conisbrough) highlighted the importance of reducing barriers to park access: “We’ve engaged with young people and community groups, including the local Social Action Group and local primary schools, to ensure the park reflects their needs. There’s a clear demand for enhanced play, seating, and open spaces for recreation, and we are excited to bring these improvements to life.”

With these works scheduled to continue into 2025, Doncaster’s investment in parks and green spaces underlines our commitment to promoting healthier and more vibrant communities.

For further information, visit: Future Parks | Get Doncaster Moving