Political Opinion: Government funding welcomed for new play parks in Mansfield

Yet for too many children and families, traditional play areas can still present barriers rather than opportunities.

That is why I am delighted that funding has been secured from the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund to help create six new accessible play spaces across our district, to be delivered by Mansfield District Council

The initial programme will include five play parks at Pencil Park, Peafield Park, The Carrs, Oak Tree Estate and Manor Park, alongside a new multi-use games area at Ladybrook Park.

There is also the potential for further locations to be added as the programme develops.

This investment, which has been delivered as a result of having a Labour Government, is about much more than installing new equipment.

It is about designing welcoming community spaces that children and young people of all abilities can use, enjoy and feel part of.

Accessible play should not be treated as an optional extra.

Children with disabilities and additional needs should have the same opportunities as everyone else to be active, build confidence, develop new skills and play alongside their friends and siblings.

No family should have to travel outside its community simply to find a play space where every child can participate safely and confidently.

Parents and carers should also be able to visit a local park knowing that the space has been designed with their family in mind.

Good parks strengthen communities too. They give families somewhere to spend time together without having to pay, help young people stay active and create places where neighbours can meet.

Time outdoors can support both physical and mental wellbeing, while positive experiences of exercise and nature can help establish healthy habits for life.

However, we will only get these new spaces right by listening to the people who will use them.

That is why Mansfield District Council, working with Mansfield CVS, has launched a public consultation before designs are drawn up or development work begins.

We want to understand how local parks are currently used, what prevents some children and families from enjoying them, and which improvements would make the greatest difference.

Existing community feedback, including previous engagement on Pencil Park undertaken by Warsop Parish Council, will also help shape the programme.

I particularly encourage children and young people, parents and carers, schools, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities providers, disability organisations, residents and community groups to take part.

Your practical experience and ideas are essential. You may notice obstacles that others overlook, or suggest features that could transform a short visit to the park into a genuinely enjoyable experience.

This is a real opportunity for Mansfield residents to influence investment in their own neighbourhoods.

The strongest public projects are not simply delivered to communities; they are shaped with them.

I want these new play spaces to reflect the ambitions, creativity and needs of Mansfield families.

Please complete the council’s survey and encourage others to do the same.

Together, we can create places where every child is welcomed, included and able to play.

The survey can be found here: https://r1.dotdigital-pages.com/p/7Q6J-KQ4/play-parks-in-mansfield