Hemsworth, Ryhill and Havercroft to become giant interactive playground

A giant interactive playground, for adults and children, is coming to Hemsworth and the surrounding areas.

‘Beat the Street’ is set to be launched in the town and nearby Ryhill, Havercroft, South Hiendley, Fitzwilliam and Kinsley on Wednesday 21 May to Wednesday 18 June 2025. It’s a physical activity game that brings together the whole community.  

Beat the Street, an acclaimed game that has inspired over a million participants nationwide, turns neighbourhoods into giant games by placing special sensors called Beat Boxes on lampposts throughout the area. Players simply tap their free Beat the Street card or use the mobile app as they walk, cycle, or run between boxes to collect points.
The game will encourage residents of all ages to get active, explore their area, and enjoy some healthy competition while earning points and winning prizes.

Beat the Street will officially launch on Wednesday 21 May with two events. The first from 9:30am to 11:30am at the Havercroft & Ryhill Community Learning Centre, and the second from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at the Red Roof Centre in Kinsley. There will be all the information you need to participate in this project and people can register to take part.

There will be games, events and special guests including Team Rubicon who will be bringing skateboards, scooters and all the equipment needed, along with an instructor to get youngsters wheeling with confidence. There will be a prize giveaway at each venue with the chance to win a scooter. Every participant will get a bottle of water to start their journey and double points at the Beat Box nearest to each centre.

Ahead of the launch, local schools will receive cards for pupils, while the wider community can pick theirs up at designated distribution points or download the free app via Google Play or the App Store.

It is being delivered by Wakefield Council and is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) through the UK Government. The initiative forms part of a wider effort to encourage active lifestyles, improve public health, and connect communities through fun and accessible outdoor activities.

Participants can join school or community teams or create their own with friends and family. The game rewards physical activity, connection with nature, and local exploration — all while contributing to improved community health and wellbeing.

Beat the Street, created by GP Dr. William Bird MBE, not only encourages active living but also aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and bring people closer together.

For more information, visit https://beatthestreet.me/hemsworthward/ or follow Wakefield Wellbeing on Facebook.