HOPE FIELDS, a memorial garden located in Thrybergh Country Park, has been approved to open in March.
The space has been created to help those in the Rotherham community support each other, specifically those who are suffering from grief and anxiety due to the effects of COVID-19.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Greener Communities, Councillor Sarah Allen, said: “We’re thanking key workers and carers, trying to bring some joy into people’s lives and we’re wanting to show that there is hope in all our futures.”
The memorial is a tribute to honour those who lost their lives to the virus and to say thank you to key workers and volunteers in the community.
Rotherham Council has created a seven month long programme of activities around the themes of Gratitude, Joy and Hope. The programme has built up to the opening of Hope Fields which combine these three themes.
The local community have made contributions towards Hope Fields to help provide a positive space for local residents to show appreciation to everybody who has helped Rotherham through the pandemic.
Councillor Allen, said: “I’m passionate about this project because it will offer solace to people on so many levels. It will be an opportunity for families to take time to think about their loved ones as a step on the road to recovery.”
The council plans to include many different exhibits and activities, such as a sunflower corridor which residents to get involved in planting and artistic sculptural features for visitors to enjoy.
Different options for personal remembrance of loved ones, such as hearts to hang in trees or small wooden crosses, are still being considered.
Councillor Allen, said: “We want Hope Fields to be a joyful place as well and as such we’ll introduce activities that help people build pleasant memories.”