AFTER a three-and-a-half-year fundraising campaign, the refurbished playground in Endcliffe Park was finally handed over this week to the kids.
On Monday, they got their first chance to try the new equipment, which is part of a £293,000 makeover.
The new play area has been themed on stone and steel and designed to blend in with its setting next to the River Porter and against its woodland backdrop.
Fundraising was led by the Friends of Endcliffe Playground, who asked children and parents what they wanted.
Swings have been installed with special needs children in mind and there will soon be an amphitheatre.
Friends chair Madeleine Thomas said: "We very much appreciate everyone's patience whilst the work was being done and hope that they find the wait was worth it. We want this fantastic facility to be used by all of Sheffield's children for many years to come.
"Sheffield City Council, with whom we have been working together on this project, are committed to maintain the playground and some of the funds we've raised have been provided to the council for that purpose."
The old playground was installed more than 15 years ago. It has been transformed with money from the Big Lottery, Veolia Environmental Trust, Hallam FM Cash for Kids, Arts Council England, local trusts, foundations, companies and individuals.
An opening ceremony will be held at Trinity United Reformed Church on Saturday, November 22, followed by a ribbon-cutting at 3.15 pm in the playground, which will be open to everyone.
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