Sculcoates Park reopens after £750,000 refurb

OFFICAL: A sign marking the opening

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Sculcoates Park has formally reopened having undergone significant improvements to increase participation, safety and community involvement.

New footways and lighting to increase accessibility and safety for the community and park users have been installed, as well as the introduction of natural play equipment and fencing around the children’s play area.

The popular sports area and ‘Red Top’ basketball court, complete with new hoops and lighting, has also been refurbished as part of a new multi-use games area.

COMMUNITY: Children playing wheelchair basketball

Picnic tables and a chess table have also been installed to further encourage community use.

Improvements were made possible through the government-funded High Street Accelerator (HSA) Scheme which awarded almost £750,000 to Hull City Council to reinvigorate the high street and improve the vibrancy and visual appeal of the Stepney area and its surrounding green spaces.

Additional lighting and court improvements were funded from council grants.

TAKE A SEAT: New furniture

The works, identified by the community through local engagement, were led by the HSA Partnership, a collaborative scheme between the council and local businesses, commercial property owners, community representatives and other key stakeholders in the area.

A plaque was unveiled by members of the partnership to declare the park formally reopened ahead of Tigers Trust’s ‘Sportsfest’, during which children participated in a variety of sports events, including football and wheelchair basketball, as part of a series of free summer activities.

Legacy projects from the HSA programme were also in attendance, such as the art-led Riot Recovery Project, as well as partners Cornerhouse, a dedicated team committed to delivering personalised care that addresses the unique needs of individuals, promoting healing and growth in a safe and supportive environment.

Angela Blake, assistant director for major projects and infrastructure at the council, said: “This is a great example of what we can do with Government funding to enhance and support our communities.

SECURE: New fencing around the play area

“It was great to see Sculcoates Park thriving with the Tigers Trust event and other members of the community in the picnic and play areas too, showing it’s already having the desired impact.”

Kayleigh Jackson, Tigers Trust head of community, engagement and safeguarding, said: “We have had around fifty unique individuals attend our sessions over the summer from a variety of backgrounds.

“It’s great to see the children enjoying themselves in a safe and welcoming environment and it wouldn’t be possible without facilities such as Sculcoates Park.

"It’s been a pleasure to work with the council and the HSA Partnership during the summer.”