What’s New At Gorton Street Park? Wakefield’s £60k Play Area Upgrade Explained

Gorton Street Park in Kinsley just got a big glow-up—and if you're a local parent or carer, this is good news. The play area has had a full £60,000 revamp, and the new space is officially open for business (well, for fun). Funded by the Town Centre Regeneration Fund, the new setup is built to bring smiles to kids’ faces—and give grown-ups a proper spot to sit and chill while the little ones burn off some energy.

Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and what you can expect when you swing by (pun intended).

A space that actually works for kids of all ages

Before the upgrade, the old play area was looking a bit tired. Let’s be honest—if it were a toy, it would’ve been that one at the bottom of the toy box no one plays with anymore.

So, the council got to work. With help from Hemsworth ward councillors and feedback from people living nearby, they’ve completely replaced the old setup with proper new gear. Now, it’s all about metal play equipment built to last and designed for toddlers and junior school kids.

Here’s what you’ll find now:

• Swings that actually swing (yes, for all ages)
• Climbing frames with slides for both little ones and bigger kids
• A seesaw and a carousel-style roundabout
• Rocking and spinning things that kids can’t resist
• A safer, softer surface underfoot
• Brand new benches, bins and gates that close properly

It’s still on the same footprint as the old site—but everything else is new.

Why this matters for families

Cllr Jack Hemingway, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, put it plainly: “It’s brilliant to see that the new play area has now opened. Projects like this have a big impact on the quality of life of local people.”

He’s not wrong. When you’re a parent juggling work, home life, and trying to get your kids off screens for five minutes, having a local park that’s actually good makes all the difference. It’s the kind of place where:

• You can let toddlers wobble around without worrying they’ll trip over cracked concrete
• School-aged kids can climb, slide and shout without getting bored after five minutes
• You might even grab five minutes of peace on a bench while they burn off some sugar

Green spaces like these help build proper community vibes too—where you bump into people you know, have a chat, and let the kids run wild in a safe space.

Local voices helped shape the changes

This wasn’t just a council tick-box project. Local councillors actually asked residents what they wanted to see—and used that feedback to decide what went in. That’s why the new play equipment works for different ages and why features like the carousel roundabout made the cut.

Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said, “We know that family and friends want green spaces where they can meet up, while the children get to play outdoors, enjoying lots of fresh air and exercise.”

He’s hoping for good weather this summer so everyone can really make the most of the space—and honestly, same.

A small part of a much bigger plan

This is just one of 17 projects happening across the Wakefield district in 2025. In fact, Wakefield Council is putting £3 million into improving parks and green spaces this year alone. That’s a big investment—and it shows they’re not just sprucing up the place for show. They’re making real improvements where families spend time.

The upgrades at Gorton Street Park are already done and dusted (completed by 2 May 2025), so there’s no need to wait around. Whether you’ve got toddlers, primary-aged kids, or just need somewhere to let your dog chill while your child spins endlessly on the roundabout—it’s all there waiting for you.

What’s new at Gorton Street Park (at a glance)

• Brand new metal play equipment
• Swings, climbing units, slides, roundabout, seesaw
• Suitable for toddlers and older children
• New safety surface, bins, benches and secure gates
• Open and ready to use as of 2 May 2025
• Funded by Town Centre Regeneration Fund
• Designed with feedback from local residents

So next time the kids are climbing the walls at home, grab some snacks, head to Gorton Street Park, and let them do their climbing where it’s actually encouraged. Just don’t forget suncream if the good weather holds out.