Parkwood Springs is set to have its own Park Run this summer as efforts to transform it into the city centre’s country park continue.
The underutilised space is the size of Hyde Park and has recently received funding from British Cycling and £19 million from the governments levelling up fund its development.
Plans include building a new access road and bringing the Ski Village back into use following its closure in 2012 after a fire.
With a new café, and toilets about to be installed, the group Friends of Parkwood Springs thought a weekly Park Run would be the perfect addition to bring even more people to the site.
The planned route boasts breath-taking views of the city and peaks which could make it the most attractive option for Saturday morning 5k.
Trials of the route will be happening soon to demonstrate that it is viable.
Committee member, Seth Kirby said: “We’re looking for people to be more engaged in in the areas around Parkwood Springs and that’s right across different areas from Shirecliffe and Burngreave right down to people living in Kelham Island because this could be this could end up being their their closest park run.”
Overall, the set up costs of the weekly event will be £4,000 and this includes having a defibrillator on site.
The group still have £1,500 left to raise and donations can be made on their Go Fund Me page.
In the meantime, a grand opening is planned in March for the new facilities, and there are a number of events happening in the park as part of Festival of the Outdoors 2024 such as inclusive Off-Road cycling day.
