Sheffield parents clean up beloved but ‘neglected’ Forge Dam playground

A team of community-minded parents helped clean up the beloved children’s playground at Forge Dam, Sheffield, claiming it has been neglected for almost 30 years.

The Forge Dam Play Fund was founded by three local mums, who want to help make the playground better for children.

To aid with the clean up, they partnered with the Friends of the Porter Valley, a conservation charity which works to protect and restore the landscape and industrial heritage.

Ann Le Sage, member of the Friends of the Porter Valley, said: “If you have a local governance council in the city that has no money, either you put your effort in or you just leave it to be neglected. It needs expanding, it needs new equipment, covering a larger number of facilities for children.

“I love this city and I love this area – and I want to give my time while I’ve got it, to do this kind of thing.”

Their main aim is to raise £250,000 for refurbishment of the popular amenity.

The high target came after conversations with the council about how much it would cost for a dream park.

Victoria Cobley, one of the organisers, is currently working on a competition for schoolchildren to design their dream playground. 

The designs are set to be printed onto tote bags and sponsored by local businesses, meaning that 100 per cent of the profits can go to the fund.

Ann told Steel City Insider she was ‘delighted’ to work with the group, and others, to benefit local amenities.

She said: “I just want to make sure that groups like this can do what they want to do and spread the story.

“I want this [playground] improved.”

The Council owns the playground at Forge Dam, but the Play Fund says it has been neglected for almost 30 years.

Helen Wilson, a parent who was involved with the clean-up effort, told Steel City Insider: “My kids use this park – I love using the park so, I think it needs a bit of love.”

Those wishing to donate to the Forge Dam Play Fund can do so via the GoFundMe.