Katie White MP Petitions New Playground for Adel, Leeds

Key Points

• Labour MP Katie White has launched a petition to build a new playground in the Adel area of Leeds.
• White, who grew up in Adel, described the lack of a playground in an area of Adel’s size as “ridiculous”.
• Local resident Sarah Carmody, living in Adel with her eight-year-old daughter, supports the campaign, noting she must drive three miles (5km) to reach playgrounds in Bramhope or Headingley.
• Carmody highlighted traffic issues making weekday visits difficult, with drives taking up to 45 minutes on weekends.
• The absence of a local playground exacerbates screen time problems, hindering social interaction, speech, language, and childhood development, according to Carmody.
• White stated several potential sites in Adel have been identified, and she aims to collaborate with the community to select the best one, with funding already secured.
• Leeds City Council expressed commitment to the Child Friendly Leeds programme, stating it is “always keen … to explore ways to provide high-quality, accessible, sustainable and inclusive play opportunities in communities across the city”.
• The council spokesperson added: “The council is committed, through its long-standing Child Friendly Leeds programme and other investments and initiatives, to making Leeds the best place in the country for children and young people to grow up in.”

Adel, Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 5, 2026 – Labour MP Katie White has launched a petition urging the construction of a new playground in the Adel area, highlighting the absence of such facilities in a community of its size as a significant oversight. White, a local who grew up in Adel, described the situation as “ridiculous” and emphasised the challenges families face in accessing play areas, often requiring car or bus journeys to nearby Bramhope or Headingley. Local resident Sarah Carmody has voiced strong support for the initiative, detailing the practical difficulties her family encounters without a nearby playground.

Why Is Adel Lacking a Playground?

Adel, a substantial community within Leeds with numerous families and open spaces, currently has no dedicated playground, prompting MP Katie White’s petition drive. As reported in the original coverage, White stated: “I think with a community the size of Adel with the number of families, the number of spaces, it is quite ridiculous that we have not got one already.” She further elaborated on the inconvenience, noting:

“Having to get in the car or get on the bus, whether it is down to Headingley or up to Bramhope, people are having to travel that far just to go on the swings and that is really difficult.”

This gap in amenities affects daily family life, particularly for those without easy transport options. White’s campaign seeks to address this by identifying suitable sites and engaging residents in the decision-making process. She confirmed that funding has been allocated, signalling a proactive step towards realisation.

What Challenges Do Families Face Without a Local Playground?

Sarah Carmody, an Adel resident raising her eight-year-old daughter, provided firsthand insight into the hardships. Speaking to the BBC at Beckett Park in Headingley, Carmody explained:

“It would completely change the after school element because we don’t come here on a weekday because the traffic is so bad and it takes too long to drive here.”

She detailed the time burden, adding:

“There are points where we have come here twice, once on a Saturday, once on a Sunday and we are looking at 45 minutes driving throughout that.”

The three-mile (5km) distance to the nearest playgrounds in Bramhope or Headingley proves particularly burdensome amid peak traffic. Carmody underscored the broader implications: “If there was one on the doorstep or within close proximity we would come more.” Her testimony illustrates how the current setup limits spontaneous play, forcing structured travel that disrupts routines.

How Does the Playground Shortage Impact Children’s Development?

Beyond logistics, the lack of a local playground contributes to wider concerns about childhood wellbeing. Carmody highlighted screen time as a pressing issue, stating:

“It is a huge problem. It doesn’t just stop social interaction, things like speech, language, normal childhood development is being halted by continuous screen time and for a kid to be able to pop outside, meet up with their neighbours and hang around the park, it is life changing and it gives so much freedom.”

This perspective aligns with growing awareness of sedentary lifestyles among youth. A nearby play area could foster physical activity, peer connections, and outdoor exploration, countering digital over-reliance. Carmody’s comments, drawn from direct experience, emphasise the transformative potential of accessible green spaces for family dynamics and child growth.

Which Sites Are Proposed for the New Playground?

MP White has advanced the project by pinpointing multiple potential locations within Adel. She remarked:

“A number of sites had been identified in Adel and she wanted to work with the community to ‘figure out which is the best’.”

This community-led approach ensures the chosen site aligns with local needs, maximising usage and sustainability.

White’s personal connection to Adel, having grown up there, lends authenticity to her advocacy. By involving residents, the initiative avoids top-down decisions, potentially enhancing buy-in and long-term maintenance. Funding availability further bolsters prospects, positioning the petition as a catalyst for swift action.

What Is Leeds City Council’s Stance?

Leeds City Council has responded positively to the campaign. A council spokesperson stated:

“It was ‘always keen … to explore ways to provide high-quality, accessible, sustainable and inclusive play opportunities in communities across the city’.”

This reflects ongoing efforts under the Child Friendly Leeds programme.

The spokesperson reinforced the authority’s dedication:

“The council is committed, through its long-standing Child Friendly Leeds programme and other investments and initiatives, to making Leeds the best place in the country for children and young people to grow up in.”

Such statements signal willingness to collaborate, though specifics on timelines remain pending. The programme’s established framework provides a foundation for integrating Adel’s playground into broader city-wide improvements.

Who Is Leading This Campaign?

Labour MP Katie White spearheads the petition, leveraging her position and local roots. Her background in Adel equips her with intimate knowledge of community needs, driving her resolve. White’s multifaceted role involves rallying support, securing resources, and liaising with council officials.

Residents like Sarah Carmody amplify the grassroots element, offering relatable narratives that resonate widely. Their combined voices underscore the petition’s urgency, bridging political advocacy with everyday realities.

Why Was Beckett Park Chosen for the Interview?

The BBC interview with Sarah Carmody occurred at Beckett Park in Headingley, one of the distant playgrounds families rely on. This location visually reinforced her points about travel demands. Carmody’s presence there highlighted the inadequacy of current options, providing a poignant backdrop to her appeals.

Such strategic choices in reporting enhance storytelling, allowing audiences to grasp the issue’s tangible impact. Beckett Park, while functional, exemplifies the stretch required without local alternatives.

What Broader Implications Does This Have for Leeds Communities?

This petition spotlights disparities in play provision across Leeds suburbs. Adel’s case may inspire similar drives elsewhere, pressuring the council to audit facilities city-wide. The Child Friendly Leeds initiative gains momentum through such targeted campaigns, potentially accelerating investments.

Neutral observers note the petition’s potential to set precedents for community-driven infrastructure. With funding in place and council backing, success here could model scalable solutions, benefiting families beyond Adel.

How Can Residents Get Involved?

Katie White invites community input on site selection, fostering participation. Residents can sign the petition, attend consultations, or share experiences to strengthen the case. Engagement ensures the playground reflects diverse needs, from accessibility to inclusive design.

Carmody’s story exemplifies the power of personal testimony. Families facing similar issues might organise locally, amplifying calls for equitable amenities.

What Funding Supports the Project?

White confirmed money has been made available, a critical enabler. Sources likely tie into council budgets or grants under Child Friendly Leeds. This financial readiness distinguishes the petition from aspirational pleas, enhancing feasibility.

Transparency on allocations will be key, allowing scrutiny and accountability. The council’s exploratory commitment suggests potential matching funds.

Is This Part of Larger City Efforts?

Leeds City Council’s Child Friendly Leeds programme frames the response. Long-standing, it encompasses investments prioritising youth spaces. The spokesperson’s remarks affirm alignment, positioning Adel’s playground within strategic goals.

This integration bodes well for sustainability, embedding the project in sustained policy rather than isolated action.

What Next Steps Are Anticipated?

With sites identified and funding secured, community consultation follows. White’s collaboration pledge signals imminent progress. Council engagement could expedite planning permissions and construction.

Monitoring petition signatures will gauge momentum, influencing priorities. Success hinges on unified stakeholder efforts.