Derby City Council is consulting with the local community regarding their thoughts for PlayZones in four Derby parks, which include Caxton Park in Normanton, Dale Road Park in Spondon, Knightsbridge Recreation Ground in Mackworth and Stockbrook Recreation Ground in Abbey. 

PlayZones are safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities that aim to bring communities together through various forms of recreational activities. The PlayZones would be funded using investment from the Premier League, The FA and the Government through Sport England, in partnership with Derby City Council. 

This is an exciting new project looking at renovating old Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) into PlayZones and building new PlayZones from scratch. The project aims to tackle inequalities in physical activity and provide access to high-quality community facilities in local, accessible spaces. The project focuses on four key target groups: 

  • Disabled people and those with long term health conditions
  • Women and girls
  • Ethnically diverse communities
  • Lower socio-economic groups

The PlayZones will operate on a Smart Access System, which can be used to access the facilities using an app. Opportunities will be available for block booking of the courts for organisations and community groups, but there will also be free time space where anyone can use the facilities.

The PlayZones locations were chosen following extensive Community Engagement. Each site underwent thorough assessment based on readiness factors to ensure suitability for development, activation, and ongoing maintenance, aiming for successful outcomes.

The Council has launched a consultation on the proposal for the four identified parks and would like to hear the public’s views and comments on the design, use and management of the PlayZones for each individual location. 

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Streetpride, said:

The Derby City Council's initiative to introduce PlayZones to the four identified parks, represents a significant step towards fostering community engagement and enhancing recreational spaces for residents.

We recognise the importance of catering to diverse groups within our community and this project specifically focuses on disabled individuals, women, ethnically diverse communities, and lower socio-economic groups. We aim to create spaces that are truly inclusive and welcoming to all.

Your input matters. Join our consultation on Let’s Talk Derby, shaping the PlayZones design and management. Let's build vibrant, welcoming spaces together.

The consultation document and response form are available online on Let’s Talk Derby. The eight week consultation period closes at midnight on Tuesday 30 January 2024. 

After the closing date, the Council will gather all the responses received and this will inform the project development of PlayZones in each park.