In light of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, an organisation hopes to address such challenges by restoring Firth Park playground.

The ward where the park is located faces many socio-economic pressures, with child poverty levels in the ward being the highest in Sheffield, according to Sheffield City Council.

The playground has not had any improvements since it was built in 2005. The proposed plans include building a new playground next to the existing one to cater to the older children in the area.

Helen Barker, who is the co-chair of Friends of Firth Park, said: 

“Antisocial behaviour has and continues to be an issue in this area. 

“We want to recognise that it is a deprived part of the city that needs a flagship, state of the art playground for the children that live here.”

The area is also one of the most diverse parts of Sheffield with 33% BAME population. Mrs Barker said this is an important characteristic of Firth Park:

“All the schools are really multicultural and diverse and the playground is another extension of that, where children can play together and build good relationships for the future.”

Mrs Barker said that it is “more important than ever” for children to have a “safe space” to go outside to and the park will “encourage children to come outdoors in a society where screens are so attractive”.

“It’s a gathering point in a community where we used to have, maybe pre-pandemic, a lot more gathering points. Social gathering points are so important to build community.”

The process for improvements have been in conversation since COVID, but are picking up through Friends of Firth Park and the council working together.

Mrs Barker said: “It has received an incredible amount of footfall over the years and has received a fair hammering. 

“It’s an imperative, not a luxury, it’s an integral part of the community and needs the necessary improvements.”

They are currently asking for people to complete the survey to have their say on what they want the park to look like. You can fill out the survey here and see the full plans for the park here.