Last week, Spriggs was named Britain's best park worker in recognitionof the inspiring work he has done in helping young people learn about,enjoy and care for the Rosehill Victoria Park near Rotherham.
The 23-acre park had suffered from years of neglect and was beset by thecommon urban problems of underage drinking and smoking, publicintimidation and litter.
"There has been a culture of not using parks and the minority of peoplewho did hang out there fostered a fear of crime," he says. "In Rotherhamwe have addressed that minority and worked to build the confidence ofthe majority."
Spriggs has done a lot to regenerate the park in the two years he hasbeen in the job. A junior ranger scheme has developed a sense ofownership among 11- to 18-year-olds by encouraging them to deviseimprovement projects, such as painting the railings. And a confidentialhelpline that children use to report criminal behaviour has virtuallyeradicated grafitti and vandalism.
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