Wisewood will soon enjoy a new park and playground area, as Sheffield City Council has unveiled the latest designs.

Spider Park is expected to begin construction by late Summer 2021 and could be completed as early as Autumn 2021. This follows eight years of planning from the park’s initial masterplan in 2013.

Chris Bragg, who does community work in Wisewood, said: “I am excited about it because it will fill a big gap for the local community that has existed for many years.

“The greenery in the park will be wonderful both as a nice environment for families to spend some quality time in and for nature itself.”

The long-awaited park will be located on the corner of Rural Lane and Laird Road, between the RIVA Project and the Wisewood Leisure Centre. 

Currently, the site is mainly a closed-off overflow car park and there are no other facilities for young people in the area.

Project Officer at Sheffield Parks & Countryside Service, Luke Wilson, said: “It will create a highly anticipated and much-needed park and playground area for the local community; providing a welcoming and inclusive space for play, relaxation and socialising, and a green space which hopefully the local community can enjoy and benefit from for many years to come.”

It is set to include features such as a toddler multiplay area, scooter and ‘all wheels’ track, and an inclusive trampoline. It also aims to cater to older users through parkour and gym equipment, as well as providing a central seating area close to the RIVA cafe where people can admire the greenery and meadow features.

Bethany Furniss, a Wisewood resident, said: “I have a two-year-old so it will be nice to go somewhere we can walk to. I love the ideas of inclusivity as well, so everyone can use it.”

Sheffield City Council has been working closely with stakeholders, residents and the wider community when designing the new park through a series of consultations.

A survey, carried out in 2020 by The Parks & Countryside Projects Team, found that 86 per cent of respondents felt a ‘high-quality playground’ was a priority.

Ben Walters, Senior Communications Advisor to Gill Furniss MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, said: “The park is an exciting proposal which has been a long time in the making and will be a great asset for the local people.”