New Adventure Playground opens at Cliffe House

Families, schoolchildren, and community members came together on Saturday 25 July to celebrate the official opening of the new Adventure Playground at Cliffe House, unveiled as part of the Friends of Cliffe House Summer Garden Party.

The £250,000 investment from Kirklees Council marks a major step forward in improving outdoor play opportunities for children across the district. The new facility enhances the outdoor learning experience for school residential groups and provides a free, high‑quality play space for children and families visiting Cliffe House.   Designed with safety, inclusivity and community use at its heart, the redesigned playground is a modern, fully compliant space where children can explore, climb and play with confidence. The equipment has been created so children of all abilities, including those with disabilities, can enjoy the space together.    Sensory features support children who interact with their environment in different ways, and the layout encourages families to spend time together, supporting wellbeing and helping communities feel more connected.   This investment strengthens Cliffe House’s role as a long‑term community asset and a destination for outdoor play, learning and family time.   Year 3 pupils from Shepley First and Nursery School shaped the playground design by each designing a native animal that has been digitally reproduced on colourful banners now displayed around the site.    Visual walk‑throughs helped pupils understand how the playground would look, and similar creative activities will continue for school groups visiting Cliffe House on residential trips, helping build a sense of ownership and pride in the space.   The launch took place during the annual Friends of Cliffe House Summer Garden Party, which featured live music, food and drink, a nature trail, stalls and family activities, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for the first public access to the new playground.   The opening ceremony included an official ribbon cutting led by the Kirklees Deputy Mayor Lee Cliffe, along with acknowledgements of the many contributors involved in bringing the project to life.   Councillor Rob Butler, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, said: “It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the new Adventure Playground at the launch event. This space has been designed to inspire creativity, confidence, and active play. It’s wonderful to see children making the most of it.   “The project has been a real community effort, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped bring it to life, from council officers and local children to ward councillors, including Cllr John Taylor, who attended the official opening alongside Deputy Mayor Cllr Lee Cliffe.”   The Adventure Playground is now open for public use and will continue to support school visits, residential programmes and community events throughout the year.