Summary of Key Consultation Results 

The summary findings from the consultation focused on areas for improvement in accessibility, biodiversity, natural play, and sports facilities.  

(For access to the full detailed report please see the documents section.) 

The online consultation was supported by The Friends of Carterknowle Park and Sheffield City Council (SCC), reaching 2000 visitors, with 510 completed surveys. There were also some additional focus groups in the local schools.  

Demographics: The largest group of respondents were aged 35-44 years (typical for online consultations). Among respondents, 56.7% were female, and 43.3% were male. 8.9% of respondents identified as disabled, with 34% citing mobility issues. Additionally, 5.4% of respondents were unpaid carers. The majority (463) were White, with smaller numbers identifying as Mixed/Multiple Heritage (24), Asian/Asian British (35), Black/African/Caribbean/Black British (5), or other ethnicities (4). 

Priority outcomes for investment: 

Feedback from the community will inform future projects, although not all ideas can be developed immediately. Future projects will depend on feasibility, funding, and strategic alignment. 

• Access Enhancements (pathways and seating) 

• Children’s Play Improvements (nature trail play) 

• Biodiversity Improvements (additional planting for nature) 

• Sporting Enhancements (football and cricket) 

1. Welcoming and Accessible: 

• Strong community support for improving park access, including new pathways and access routes. 

• A high level of support for adding more seating and noticeboards across the park to make it more welcoming. 

2. Play Improvements: 

• A proposed natural play route for children received widespread support. 

3. Environmental and Biodiversity: 

• There was significant feedback supporting the expansion of no-mow areas and the increase of wildflower planting and habitats within the park. 

4. Sporting Opportunity: 

• Football: Support for sports activities on the top plateau but emphasised that it should not be solely designated for sports, ensuring that it remains open for both play and informal use. 

• Cricket: There is a recognised demand for improved cricket facilities, but further consultation is needed to assess the feasibility of these improvements. 

• The old tennis court area, which is largely unused, generated community interest in revitalising the space for both physical activities and wildlife enhancement. 

Key Areas for Further Investigation: 

• Welcoming Improvements (Short-term): Suggestions include adding more benches, removing redundant fencing, and installing community noticeboards to enhance accessibility and community engagement. 

• Natural Play Improvements (Short/Medium-term): Further investigation into what natural play options children and young people in the area would like along the proposed natural play route. 

• Cricket Improvements (Medium/Long-term): Investigation into whether cricket provision is viable for the park, with further consultation required. 

Collaboration and Future Updates: 

• Sheffield City Council will work with stakeholders, including the Friends of Carterknowle Park, local schools, and groups to progress these plans. 

• Short-term improvements are expected by Summer 2025, with investigations into longer-term goals continuing through 2025. 

Thank you for everyone’s contributions to the consultation. 

Feedback, questions, or comments can be sent to: parksandcountryside@sheffield.gov.uk or sportsleisureandhealthteam@sheffield.gov.uk for any sporting enquiries.