The second round of applications for pocket parks in Hull is now open.
Hull City Council is asking members of the public wishing to put forward pieces of land for rejuvenation in their area to contact their ward councillors or neighbourhood co-ordinators.
The first round of pocket parks applications was held last year and four areas were chosen for investment.
These were:
- Land between Holmethorpe, Kinthorpe and Harrison Park in Orchard Park
- Land at Darwood Close in West Carr
- Land at Sherburn Street and New Bridge Road in Drypool
- Land off St Thomas More Road in Pickering
Orchard Park was the first of these to be completed and is now an attractive and resilient space designed by local residents for them to relax and socialise in, as well as host activities.
It features a revitalised grassed area with accessible path and a hardstanding area for pitching gazebos during social events, whilst there are also brightly painted posts, colourful numbers and lettering and pavement games, such as hopscotch.
Hull City Council’s major projects team worked with local artist Andy Pea on the design, whilst decorating was done courtesy of Community Payback.
Cllr Rob Pritchard, the council’s portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “We’ve seen already the transformation and improvement to neighbourhoods that pocket parks can bring.
“We are still working to finalise the first round of schemes, but are keen to launch round two given the visible improvements and community pride that we’re already starting to see.
“The pocket parks are really installing pride for residents and I look forward to hearing ideas from and working with further communities to help deliver phase two.”
Pocket parks are aimed at turning disused or derelict pieces of land into community spaces to benefit the physical and mental health of residents and provide an opportunity for social activity.
They are small, green open spaces on council owned land and are no larger than 0.4 hectares.
Pocket parks are part of the council’s plan to make Hull a greener, cleaner and safer place to live.
Now, residents can have their say on where they would like the next phase of pocket parks to be.
The community will help to design the selected areas and will also play an important role in after care once established.
