By Katherine Turner
There’s plenty going on at Western Flatts Park in Wortley.
The long-awaited new playground is almost complete, a crowd-funding project has been started, an orchard has been opened up for the public and volunteer gardeners are needed.
The new playground will be officially opened at 11.30am on Sunday, 9 June with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the new Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung.
The Friends of Western Flatts Cliff Park group, along with local councillors, have invited local families to celebrate the event with a picnic at the playground, located behind the bus terminus on Green Hill Lane.
In addition to the ribbon cutting the Friends group have organised ice-cream, refreshments and cakes alongside visits from emergency services vehicles, face-painting and a raffle.
Councillor Mark Stewards (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) told WLD: “We are absolutely delighted that the new play area will be open in time for families over the summer. We have worked together to secure extra funding to install play equipment that will be accessible for wheelchair users. I can’t wait to see families making use of this brand new park.”
The Friends group are also raising funds to refurbish park benches and so far have raised over £500 through generous donations, with a special mention going to Anne Bailey, who made a donation in memory of “my beautiful son Daniel.”
A new stretch target has been introduced with extra funds enabling the group to repair park signage, repair the pergola, remove graffiti and repair the tennis courts. If you would like to donate the link can be found here.
Geoff Bratt, committee member, told WLD of their plans for the orchard and hopes that more people can volunteer to help with gardening: “We are organising some volunteer gardening sessions in the walled Rose Garden. These are on Tuesday lunchtimes 1-2pm on 21 May and 4 June, and Thursday evenings 7-8pm on 23 May and 6 June.
“We have planted lots of extra roses this year, and we need your help with weeding and general tidying to keep this lovely garden looking its best. Come along – dressed appropriately for gardening – and, if you have them, please bring forks, hoes etc, although we will have some spare tools to lend out too.
“Did you know that we have a community orchard in the park? It is opposite the Bowling Club. Until recently the gate to it was kept locked, but now it is open for your enjoyment. You can see the little apples, pears and plums already forming. Incredible Edible are planning to build a raised bed in the orchard, so we will be able to grow strawberries and vegetables.”
The Friends group has a Facebook page with more information.
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