Barnsley Council’s Cabinet has approved a £2.1 million programme to improve parks and open spaces across all 21 wards in the borough.

The funding will deliver a wide range of enhancements, including upgraded play equipment, improved footpaths, new signage and entranceways, planting, and additional facilities such as bins and benches.

This forms part of Barnsley Council’s ongoing commitment to create accessible, cleaner, greener, and more sustainable outdoor spaces for residents, in line with the Love Where You Live and wider investment programmes.

Cllr James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said:

“Every community in Barnsley should have access to safe, welcoming and vibrant green spaces.

This investment is not just about improving the appearance of our parks – it’s about supporting health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Parks also provide vital habitats for wildlife and open spaces where people can relax, exercise, and come together as a community.”

Barnsley Council’s Parks team has carried out surveys to identify priority areas and will continue to work with local councillors. Enhancements are expected to encourage greater use of these spaces, promote community ownership, and help deter anti-social behaviour by attracting more positive activity.

As part of the Love Where You Live programme, each of Barnsley’s six Area Councils has also been allocated £25,000 for projects that will benefit their local community. The parks and open spaces investment will complement these efforts, contributing to the council’s Sustainable Barnsley and Healthy Barnsley priorities, as well as fostering social action and community pride.

This investment is made possible by one-off funding from an improved local government financial settlement for 2025/26. It sits alongside other approved measures supporting the Council Plan, including road improvements, help with school uniform costs, and free bus travel for under-18s.

See the full video at https://barnsley.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/987052