Gifted to the people of Stocksbridge by Thomas Oxley more than 100 years ago, Oxley Park is a valuable asset to the local community. As such, one of the Towns Fund projects has been to improve the quality of the site and recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy.
Through the Stocksbridge Town Deal, a £690,000 investment has been made in the town’s historic park to deliver major improvements. This investment has meant that work on a new 'All-wheels' park is now complete.
Contractors Horticon, alongside skatepark specialists Canvas, have transformed the area, working closely with Friends of Oxley Park and Sheffield City Council’s Parks and Countryside team, to create an accessible space for all ages and abilities.
The previous skatepark’s large structures have been replaced with sustainable construction methods using concrete coloured in grey and green and is now suitable for bikes and scooters, as well as for skateboarding, wheelchair motocross (WCMX) and roller booters.
Catering for all skills levels, the design incorporates smaller features for novice riders to learn to ride as well as more challenging areas for experienced riders.
Other improvements include upgrading existing footpaths, adding new footpaths and stairs to improve connectivity across the park and landscaping with trees and wildflowers, helping to enhance biodiversity and creating an attractive area for local residents and park users.
Further landscaping around the 'All Wheels' park has been made possible via Steel Valley Projects funding application to Stocksbridge Town Council Participatory Budgeting Scheme.
Cllr Julie Grocutt, Project representative on the Stocksbridge Town Deal Board said: “This is a great milestone to reach, providing people of all ages and abilities a brand-new facility that they can enjoy. Oxley Park is an important part of our town’s history and a fantastic community resource. So, I’m pleased that the improvements we’ve made will make a real difference to people for years to come.
“Everyone has worked together on this project to deliver something really special for the town. A big thanks to everyone involved in helping to make this possible.”