Britain's beat Urban Park Development Ranger is based in the heart of our very own community at Rosehill Victoria Park. Organisers of the Parkforce Awards said Mr Spriggs was chosen because of his "tireless and inspiring" work with the town's young people.
Cabe Judges also praised Mr Spriggs for introducing a "community payback" programme, in which offenders had transformed the park's games pavilion and public toilets, and a "park active" programme, which provided free access to sports equipment for families using the park. Mr Spriggs said he was "overwhelmed and delighted" to receive the award and said work to improve the park had included much input from local people. He said: "I have been very fortunate that the community of Rawmarsh has been so supportive.
"It has been a pleasure to see families and older generations return for relaxation and recreation, whilst community and school groups see the value of the park as a resource for learning."
To read more about Paul's award click on this link: http://www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=1435
Rosehill Victoria Park and Park Hall are great community resources which has recently benefited from a number of regeneration initiatives including environmental improvements such as lighting and CCTV through partnership with GroundWork Dearne Valley and re-engagement activities organised through the award Winning Urban Park Development Ranger (Paul Spriggs) and Rawmarsh and Parkgate Partnership (RAPP). Activities include a new Trim Trail and the re-openng of the railway and the 'Park Active' scheme which allows families and youngsters to borrow sports equipment for use in the park.
The Hall located in the Park is rented by RAPP who are re-developing the building from spring 2006 with completion due in February 2007. The cellars of the Hall are to be converted into a youth space for use by young people and schools during the evenings and weekends. It is hoped that the cafe area will be re-furbushed and re-open as a community resource and offer a drop-in for. Training space and office accommodation will also be available.
