A £25,000 “pocket park” is being created in Hull to encourage young families, teenagers and adults to get outdoors.
The green sanctuary will be created as part of a £1.35 million fund to create 68 new Pocket Parks across the UK, transforming neglected urban spaces into thriving green havens for communities.
The Dukeries Active Zone community group has secured the funding to develop a community area adjoining Thoresby Primary School.
Melissa Milner, executive headteacher at Thoresby Primary School, said: “This is brilliant news. There is a true sense of community spirit and local residents of all ages will benefit from this funding.”
The Dukeries Active Zone group reformed to regenerate the badly vandalised and rundown park and have ambitious plans to develop a sanctuary for members of the community.
Marcello Castillo and year five pupil Keira Kazadi, members of the Dukeries Active Zone.
The park will encourage gardening activities and provide improved equipment to increase physical activity among people of all ages.
New natural zones will be introduced to improve the area’s biodiversity and involve residents in the creation of a new mural.
And a number of community events on the space are planned in coming months, including a Ground Force Day on Sunday 29 March from 10am to 2pm, allowing residents to join in painting, landscaping, planting and getting to know one another.
Councillor Mike Thompson, Hull City Council portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “This fantastic project will allow access to green and play opportunities to those who have limited access to their own garden space.
“The funding will be added to budget funding that ward councillors have provided in the last year to protect the site. It really underlines the strong partnership and collaborative work.”
