JohnA East Leeds playground is open again for play after a much-needed refurb, part funded by Emmerdale’s stakeholder fund.
Located in east Leeds, Scholes village playground is loved by the community, but was last refurbished over 15 years ago and was in need of updates.
Completed on 1 December, it is one of the many play areas across Leeds that have seen improvements this year.
The project was in part funded by Emmerdale’s stakeholder fund, set up when it was agreed that the show would be filmed in the Harewood ward and connected specifically to the planning permission for the Emmerdale film set on the Harewood House Estate.
Funding has also been provided by Leeds City Council, Barwick and Scholes Parish Council, and local ward members. Following the recent refurbishment, the Scholes playground now has new surfacing, a new multi-unit that offers climbing and a slide, as well as a spinner and a seesaw.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “It’s great to see yet another playground in Leeds refreshed to be fit for future play.
“One of the core pillars of our Child Friendly Leeds ambition is for children and young people to have safe spaces to play, hang out and have fun. We want to ensure that wherever you live in Leeds, children have access to green spaces and opportunities to play. “We’re proud of all the hard work that has gone into making playgrounds across Leeds better and more fun this year.”
Harewood Ward Councillors, Cllr Matthew Robinson, Cllr Ryan Stephenson and Cllr Sam Firth, welcomed the reopening.
They said: “We’re delighted to see the opening of the playground in Scholes. It’s a project that we were pleased to be able to secure funding for, both from our discretionary funds and from the Emmerdale Fund, which supports recreational projects across the Harewood Ward.
“The scheme is a result of joint working between us as local councillors, Leeds City Council and the local parish council towards improving the play area. It’s important that young people have safe, attractive spaces to play and stay active, and we hope that children will enjoy the new playground for many years to come.”
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